The Sacred Echo by Margaret Feinberg

Reviewed by Dale Lewis

"...can lead to a deeper, more rewarding relationship with the Almighty Creator and Sustainer."

If somebody were to ask you how you know that God has spoken to you . . . or how He revealed spiritual truth deep within your soul, how would you answer them?

According to author Margaret Feinberg, He speaks through a Sunday sermon, a one-on-one conversation with a friend the following day . . . even a random phone call or email. The same idea or impression will repeat itself in surprising ways until your eyes are open to the fact that God is at work! It’s the repetitive nature of a sacred echo that gives us confidence God really is prompting and guiding each of his followers.

As God’s voice echoes to us, we are invited to respond in prayer, being persistent and tenacious not only in the things we ask but also in an overwhelming desire for a relationship with him.

The sacred echo reminds us to pay close attention — something important may be going on here. It challenges us to prayerfully consider how God is at work in our own life as well as in the lives of those around us. The sacred echo is an invitation to spiritual awakening — to not remain “status quo” (same old, same old) in
our faith walk.

Feinberg writes, “I want a relationship with God where prayer is as natural as breathing. If God is the one in whom we are to live and move and have our being, then I want my every inhale infused with His presence, my every exhale an extension of his love.”

Inviting chapter titles include “I love you,” “you follow me,” “you are not alone” and my favorite, “how long?” If read with an open mind and a hungry heart, The Sacred Echo can lead to a deeper, more rewarding relationship with the Almighty Creator and Sustainer.

Feinberg’s writing style is relaxed and conversational, which draws the reader into listening and reflecting upon her insights. She claims no “expert” or “arrived” status but only that of a fellow Christ-follower as she shares lessons learned.

“Reflections" are found at the end of the book in the form of questions and scripture. These additions would make The Sacred Echo ideal for a book club or discussion group.

The Sacred Echo is definitely a book I’ll pick up again to reread as well as refer to often as I continue to walk with Jesus.

Dale Lewis now mans the front desk at the EFCA (The Evangelical Free Church of America) National Office in Minneapolis, MN. He was the graphic designer/pre-press production artist for over twelve years before being asked to step into this new role. Prior to that, he was the publications manager at his alma mater, Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN in the public relations office as well as the adviser to the college’s yearbook. He's a director/actor/writer for the Hope Church (Oakdale, MN) adult drama worship team and was the senior editor of the church newsletter. He's also written two collections of poetry, “Whispers of Assurance” and “On Life: Constant Communion Without Ceasing” as well as a devotional entitled “Eternal Education.” He and his family live in Oakdale, Minnesota.