What might happen if we were to truly live from a place of loving encounter with God? To build life in response to what he reveals? To create space for him, and invite him to fill it, in any way that pleases him? To found our very life on prayer?
What if we were to determine in our hearts to say ‘yes’ to his divine ask, no matter the cost? Where might that take us?
Even the Sparrow traces Jill Weber’s story of building a life (and a house) of prayer, and the incredible transformation that intercession, spiritual discipline and fresh revelation can bring. With warmth, wit and deep wisdom, she explores the many forms and facets of prayer, taking the reader through each stage, step by gentle step, showing how God’s call is not always straightforward, but there is treasure to be found in the prayerful detours.
What people are saying
“In Even the Sparrow, Jill Weber tells the story of her life, well lived and listened to, a life of fragmented faithfulness and undeserved, extravagant grace. What is usually said of books like these is that they helps us to better listen to our own lives. And I suppose that's partly true. More importantly Jill’s book awakens in selfish people (like me) the desire to care enough to listen to the life of someone else, to care as much about her story as my own.”
Michael CardBible teacher and songwriter
“Jill Weber's book Even the Sparrow: A Pilgrim’s Guide to Prayer, Trust and Following the Leader is a compelling invitation to go deeper with God. With thoughtful questions, delightful stories, and wise counsel Jill teaches simple obedience to Jesus. Get your Bible, your journal, and take some time to contemplate using this Guide as you gaze upon Jesus. Hear and obey. Listen and follow. Give God permission to interrupt your life. You are, after all, no longer your own, but bought with a price. You belong to Him.”
Heidi G. Baker Ph.D.Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Iris Global
“Jill Weber is part sage, part saint, but her life has been far from easy. She laughs like a drain, prays like a saint and emanates wisdom like Yoda. This remarkable, sassy memoir will inspire and provoke you to live and love from the core. And because there is a musicality to the way Jill writes, you may well be humming its tune for many months to come.”
Pete Greig24-7 Prayer International and Emmaus Road, Guildford
“Even the Sparrow is the honest journey of the pilgrimage of prayer. Each chapter is a window into the heart and soul of a life given to devotion and the testimony of his great faithfulness. This book is a must-read that will stir the heart with jealousy for the sweet simplicity of devotion to Jesus.”
Aisha ReventarDirector of the Toronto House of Prayer
“This great book, written in such a compelling and wildly engaging way, will capture your imagination and inspire you to explore both ancient and fresh new ways to apprentice with and follow Christ. All along the way, it offers spiritual fuel and practical input to catapult your walk with God into something quite extraordinary, even in the ordinary everyday life. I consider this a must-read for every Christian who wants more out of their personal relationship with Jesus and more from their missional walk in the world.”
Lisa KoonsNational Director of 24-7 Prayer USA
“So many holy and incredible things have happened in and through the life of Jill Weber that it’s tempting to file her away in the 'extraordinary saints' category, refusing to think her story has any relation to ours. And yet, Jill chronicles her journey with such disarming humour, earthy candour and lived wisdom that we can’t help but be pulled along for the ride. In Even the Sparrow, Jill’s friends become our friends, and we are reminded that her best friend — the God who has so claimed her heart — is the same God who invites us on the extraordinary adventure of 'doing whatever he says’.”
Carolyn ArendsRecording artist, Author and Renovaré Director of Education
“Those who have been involved in the prayer movement of Canada recognize Jill Weber as someone who has dedicated herself in helping people discover what is a truthful and dynamic prayer life. In Even the Sparrow, Jill opens her life and gives the reader a real and somewhat raw picture of the frustrations and challenges associated with personal prayer. But also, through the lens of Jill’s real-life encounters, we meet a God who patiently draws us to his greater purposes. Therefore, he rebuilds us; heals our woundedness; and eventually redefines us into a people that could rightly be called a House of Prayer. This book is instructional and inspirational as it outlines Jill’s personal prayer journey. We learn that God is seeking to develop us into a ‘house of prayer’, whether alone, or in company with others. In a building, or even a prayer truck, Jill removes the veil of religiosity and fear surrounding the subject of prayer and helps us to see that for Christians, prayer should be as natural as breathing.”
Rob ParkerNational House of Prayer Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
“Even the Sparrow is the product of the thinking, searching, learning and praying of its wonderful author Jill Weber. Everything you read here will be the result of Jill’s experience and she writes with that same practicality. I recommend it highly.”
Andy FreemanCo-director, Space to Breathe
“Jill Weber has given us a profound gift with her spiritual autobiography. Weaving her story and her community’s story together within the pattern of Jesus’ life and work calls to mind the celebrated stories of other saints throughout history. These devoted lives are studied not because they are heroic or worthy of worship, but because they make the connection between the Divine and the human more accessible to us all.”
Aaron WhiteNational Leader of 24-7 prayer Canada, Author of Revolution, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Kingdom of God and Recovering
“My friend Jill Weber manifests unbridled enthusiasm, childlike wonder and unpretentious courage. She is a pioneer who uniquely embodies ancient mystical wisdom, practical compassion and a heart for justice. Her story is a testament to how God can use the messy details of our lives to accomplish the extraordinary.”
Mark ScandretteAuthor of Free, Belonging and Becoming, Practicing the Way of Jesus and The Ninefold Path
“Fascinating. It is impossible not to get caught up in Jill Weber’s adventures with God. Down to earth and even funny, yet reflecting a deep and authentic spirituality as she grapples to understand and follow God’s call while inviting the reader to do the same. An amazing spiritual journey.”
Edwina GateleyAuthor, Poet, Social Activist and Public Speaker
“Jill Weber is a master storyteller, offering the depth of her experience with God – prayer, discernment, vocation and leadership – as an encouragement to each of us to listen deeply to God, all for the sake of the kingdom. Jill is funny and disarming, inviting us to a beautiful humility, one which God uses mightily. I cannot help reflecting on my own experiences of God and my own journey, as I read Jill’s account of her own. A must read for any Christian in leadership!”
Sandra Broadus, D.MIN.Executive Director, Emmaus Formation Centre
“There are many books on prayer, but this is in my top three ever. My friend Jill Weber will make you laugh and cry and think and pray … sometimes all at the same time. The book is simultaneously simple and profound. Marvelous!”
John BowenProfessor Emeritus of Evangelism, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto
