Pursuit of Holy Leisure, The: Enjoying God in Everyday Places

FORTHCOMING TITLE, ETA JUNE 2026

From Duty to Delight: Transform Your Spiritual Life with Holy Leisure

Are you longing for a deeper, more joyful relationship with God—one that feels less like a duty and more like a delight? The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places by Cara Ray is your invitation to experience spiritual rest, renewal, and intimacy with God, no matter your season of life.

In this inspiring and practical book, Cara Ray explores the ancient concept of otium sanctum—holy leisure—a mindset that transforms your daily quiet time from a checklist into a soul-nourishing encounter with God. Drawing from biblical wisdom, personal stories, and the lives of saints past and present, Ray guides readers through the hidden, familiar, hard, and fruitful places of life, showing how God meets us in every moment.

You’ll discover:

• How to move from guilt-driven routines to grace-filled enjoyment of Scripture and prayer
• The eight common mindsets that shape our approach to God’s Word—and how to shift toward delight
• Practical ways to cultivate holy leisure at home, at work, in community, and through creativity
• Encouragement for seasons of spiritual dryness, suffering, or doubt, with real-life stories of hope and transformation

Each chapter ends with thoughtful reflection questions, making this book perfect for personal study, small groups, or book clubs. If you’re ready to trade striving for rest and rediscover the joy of God’s presence, The Pursuit of Holy Leisure will show you how to lean into the mountain—and never be the same.

280 pages

I believe that those who read this book will soon find themselves longing to know God more and to pursue him according to the gracious and glorious means he has provided.

Tim Challies
Author, ‘Seasons of Sorrow’