Faith Habits and How To Form Them

“Faith Habits is an accessible, insightful and practical treasure trove of wisdom for anyone seeking a deeper, more authentic spirituality. With beautiful vulnerability, Emma has revealed through her own story and experiences how life in all its fullness really is possible. This book is a pure gift!” – Alain Emerson - Author of The God Story“I’m not the type of person who’s naturally drawn towards contemplative Christianity, but Emma Timms’ approach to this subject is down-to-earth, accessible and inspiring. I loved reading her own personal story and found her short introductions to the monks, saints and mystics who have gone before us and the practises themselves interesting and informative. It’s been the encouragement I’ve needed to look afresh at my own spiritual life. Everyone should read it!” – Emma Fowle, deputy editor Premier’s Christianity Magazine“With heart-warming vulnerability and well-lived insight, Emma reveals the secret to living an abundant life. Follow her through these pages to receive sound instruction and wise guidance on how you, too, can live your best life.” – Phileena Nikole, author of Mindful Silence (IVP, 2018) and Pilgrimage of a Soul (IVP, 2010, 2017).“Spiritual practices are not just for those with lots of time, creativity, or internal discipline. In Faith Habits and How To Form Them, Emma masterfully shows how varied, fun, and accessible they can be for every season of life. Her relatable storytelling and abundant ideas for incorporating ancient disciplines into modern life make this book a welcome companion on the spiritual journey. As a mom of young kids, I let out a big exhale as I read it!” – Caroline Williams; founder of The Yoga Abbey“Emma writes about spiritual practices in a warm and approachable style. ‘Faith Habits and How to Form Them’ is a grounded guide for ordinary humans to approach what are sacred, solid ways to live in Love. Highly recommended for those who think spiritual practices are too difficult, too deep or too time-consuming for them.” – Deborah Fielding - Opening: Poems and Spaces“Before Emma ever put pen to paper to write ‘Faith Habits and how to form them’, she was living out the words of this book in the ordinary hours, days and years of her own life. She writes from the heart, and from a place of actual dirt-under-the-fingernails, working-out-what-works life experience. May the practical wisdom and kind invitation of ‘Faith Habits’ be the gentle companion you’ve been waiting for.” – Vicky Allen - author of ‘Wonder Lines’, ‘Broken Things and other tales’, and ‘Stickleback XXXVI’“Christian “how to” books have a tendency to be rather didactic and prescriptive. I should know. I’ve read enough of them. However, having just finished Faith Habits and How To Form Them, I am in the happy position of now owing a book to which I will return again and again. Compassionate, authentic, funny and reassuring, Emma Timms has given us a wonderful resource full of wisdom. Highly recommended.” – Ruth Leigh, speaker and author of the Isabella M Smugge series“Emma Timms’ beautiful book is a contemporary primer on Practicing the Presence of God, revealing that anything can be a spiritual practice if we are aware of God with us, in us and all around us. In Faith Habits and How to Form Them, Timms invites us into a posture of the heart that will deepen our awareness of the Divine Companion as we braid the holy with the everyday. May this book be a blessing to every hand that holds it.” – Tanya Bellehumeur-Allatt, author of Peacekeeper’s Daughter: A Middle East Memoir (Thistledown, 2021). “By her own admission, Emma is an ‘unlikely contemplative’, and that’s what makes this book so refreshing. Her authentic voice is the heart of this book, as she candidly shares scenarios we can all relate to - from our phone habits to our selfish moments - yet she consistently points us towards a God of grace who longs to deeply connect with us. With gentle encouragement, Emma empowers us to cultivate faith habits that will help us hear and discern God in the ordinary yet precious moments of everyday life. A practical, beautiful, and grace-filled read.” – Anna Robinson, cofounder, Catalyse Change and 100 Movements Publishing

Emma Timms is a wellness coach, movement teacher and spiritual director. She runs an online community of contemplative practice called The Prayer Orchard. She and her husband Jon lead a 24⁄7 Prayer community called Discovery and are active members in a global monastic order called The Order of the Mustard Seed. Emma, Jon and their four children live on the east coast of Scotland. She is a curious soul who comes alive in wild spaces and loves to swim in the ocean and hike in nature. She also loves a good dance at a ceilidh!