The Cup of Our Life: A Guide for Spiritual Growth

Organized on a daily basis, Rupp's book encourages the reader to use an ordinary cup (or mug) to invite God more closely into one's pain, suffering, joys, hopes and struggles. She explores six major themes in the spiritual life, each one followed by prayer suggestions including litanies, creative writing, ideas for reflection and journal-keeping, and a celebratory ritual. Throughout, the author manifests a profound trust in the transformative power of the in-dwelling God, and in the dailiness of God's presence with all those who seek with a genuine heart.

Rupp's style is informal, accessible, poetic and, at times, profoundly moving. She is a fine writer and spiritual guide, sharing her experiential insights with great freedom, clarity and lyric simplicity. This is a book I have returned to more than once for its prayerful sensitivity, poetic language and wisdom. I recommend it highly.


SIMPLY WONDERFUL!   July 26, 2002
Marion (Louisiana)
24 out of 24 found this review helpful

This is one of the most satisfying, uplifting, and encouraging devotion books I've read in many years. It's thought-provoking without being 'preachy'. I love the way the chapters are set up and the quotes included in each chapter are awesome.

And we can all relate to the cup as a metaphor for our lives...whether empty, full, overflowing or even cracked! I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a devotion book that really relates to everyday life.....you won't be disappointed.


Spending time with this book is a gift to your soul.   December 3, 1998
26 out of 27 found this review helpful

I have been following Joyce Rupp for 6 years now. I was grieving a great loss when I stumbled upon "Praying Our Goodbyes". Since then, I have obtained all of her books. I feel that anytime I can read her books is just a blessing. I feel that The Cup Of Our Life slowly opens up our hearts to the treaures that lie within. I can't say enough about this book and the author.

Carym@tellink.net


Very well thought out. Not for the weak Christian.   September 21, 1998
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

This devotional is very good. Touches part of my life that no other has touched. How often do books speak to your little dark hidden sins? We know they exist. So rarely do they get the light they need to teach us.


Your Cup Can be Full   February 18, 2004
JAD (The Sunshine State)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

Joyce Rupp is a well-known speaker and writer in the area of Christian spiritual growth, and a member of the Servite (Servants of Mary) faith community. She leads retreats all over the world, and has written six other books on faith development and the Christian life.

This book is designed for personal and group use-and Rupp uses the images of coffee mugs to help start and move the prayerful discussion along. Broken cups and broken lives-empty, half-full and overflowing cups-all with solid Biblical connections which will be familiar and fresh to the reader at one and the same time.

It is a joy to see how a simple, everyday object can be the vehicle for Christ-centered conversation and contemplation. There are many ideas in this book which would help a couple, or a group of Christian friends, or an intentional small group, Sunday School class, or one soul in source of being filled with the gifts the Spirit provides.

Rupp structures the book as Weeks and Days; she also provides suggestions for group use-so if you are a facilitator, most of the work is done for you.

Of course, to benefit from A CUP OF BLESSING, you will need to bring along your mug and an open, expectant mind. And you will befit, if you do.

If you find this review helpful you might want to read some of my other reviews, including those on subjects ranging from biography to architecture, as well as religion and fiction