Space for God

Making Space for God: A Small Group Book Study

Participants of the 2024 Loop Church Space for God study highly recommend reading Don Postema’s wonderful book, linked for sale here and described at the Christian Reformed Church’s Faith Alive Resources website:

Through readings, art, meditation, and prayer, this contemporary classic provides an inviting guide for spiritual living. For nearly 25 years, Space for God has helped individual readers and small group participants experience a deeper spiritual life. Using the art of Van Gogh and the writings of John Calvin, Thomas Merton, Henri J. M. Nouwen, C. S. Lewis, and others, author Don Postema offers a series of meditative readings and spiritual exercises that will deepen your faith.

The organization of the book is so helpful. Don Postema teaches on each of the topics listed below, his “Reflection” for each chapter, and then he provides many scripture passages and a variety of other authors’ words and artwork on the topic, each chapter’s “Windows for Insight.” In addition, the author suggests a progression of activities and prayer practices for each chapter. The topics, readings, and exercise enable readers to easily make space for God and enjoy and grow in the time with God. If others are interested in doing a group study of Space for God, the below materials used by the Loop Church group could be helpful.

• Session 1 “Making Space”

• Session 2 “I Belong”

• Session 3 “Gratitude Takes Nothing for Granted”

• Session 4 “Gestures of Gratitude” 

• Chapter 4 Home Exercises

• Session 5 “Prayer as Attitude: The Grateful Heart”

• Chapter 5 Home Exercises

• Session 6 “Prayer as Act”

• Session 7 “Wrestling with God”

• Session 8 “Prayer and Justice/Compassion”

• Session 9 “The Goal Is Glory”

• Participants’ Shared Document for Additional Discussion

• Space for God Leader’s Guide

Information about the Author: Don Postema

Don Postema is a author, minister, artist, and musician. He’s married to Elaine Postema and has several children and grandchildren. To read about his work and life, see this collection of articles, published by the Ann Arbor, MI library. 

The photo below is credited to the Ann Arbor News on May 18, 1997. The caption reads: “The Rev. Don Postema is retiring after 30-some years in the ministry at the Campus Chapel in Ann Arbor, a student ministry affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.”

We are so thankful that Don, whose 90th birthday was July 3, 2024, graciously joined our Zoom Loop Church study several times. While we had been inspired by his book and felt grateful to him for his work, we were were additionally blessed to become friends with him and learn from him in our meetings.