Mostly What God Does by Savannah Guthrie Summary

Mostly What God Does by Savannah Guthrie explores Christian faith through personal stories and biblical reflections, organized into six themes: love, presence, praise, grace, hope, and purpose. Guthrie uses her legal and journalistic background to discuss God’s unwavering love in everyday life, blending vulnerability with scriptural insights. The book emphasizes tuning into God’s presence "like a radio station" and finding purpose through hardship.

This book appeals to Christians seeking a relatable, non-academic perspective on faith, particularly those navigating doubt or life transitions. Guthrie’s candid storytelling resonates with parents, professionals, and anyone craving spiritual reassurance. Critics note it’s less suited for readers wanting rigorous theological analysis or discussions of God’s judgment.

Yes for readers valuing personal faith journeys over doctrinal debates. Guthrie’s essays offer actionable insights, like viewing grace as "background noise you choose to amplify," with reflection pauses built into the audiobook. However, those seeking comprehensive biblical teachings may find its focus on love and hope incomplete.

The six core themes are:

• Love: God’s persistent, unearned affection
• Presence: Sensing divinity in mundane moments
• Praise: Gratitude as spiritual practice
• Grace: Mercy amid human imperfection
• Hope: Anchoring in divine promises
• Purpose: Aligning personal calling with God’s plan

Guthrie ties faith to real-life experiences, including her father’s death, career shifts, and motherhood. She frames her 2014 wedding and NBC’s Today show challenges as examples of God “showing up.” One essay contrasts her lawyerly doubt with her daughter’s effortless prayer.

Key texts include Ephesians 5:2 (“Mostly what God does is love”) and Job’s trials, which Guthrie analyzes as evidence of God’s purpose in suffering. The book frequently cites Psalms and Jesus’ parables about grace.

Unlike academic works or conversion testimonies, Guthrie’s book mirrors Anxious for Nothing (Lucado) in practical faith application but avoids political or cultural debates. It’s more personal than doctrinal guides like Mere Christianity.

Some theologians argue the book underemphasizes repentance, obedience, and God’s justice. Critic Janet Denison notes it portrays a “partial truth” by focusing on love without addressing sin’s consequences.

Yes. Guthrie shares how faith anchored her during her father’s death and career uncertainties. Exercises like “30-second prayer pauses” and reframing worry as “invitations to trust” provide concrete coping tools.

Indirectly. She parallels legal analysis (“building cases for doubt”) with spiritual inquiry, and likens anchoring Today to relying on divine stability. No behind-the-scenes NBC details are included.

The 224-page book contains 40 short essays grouped thematically, ideal for daily devotionals. Audiobook listeners get meditative silences between chapters. Each section ends with reflection prompts.

Guthrie asserts God’s love isn’t contingent on human performance: “We don’t summon Him with pious practices—He’s already transmitting.” The challenge is tuning into that signal through intentional gratitude and humility.