The title refers to the compass rose, symbol of the Anglican Communion. These essays challenge readers to be more intentional and authentic in our spiritual lives, and by so doing to chart a new course toward God.

The most accessible and resonant essays are those in which Smith illuminates a larger topic through the prism of a snapshot from his life. Smith's frequent self-disclosures produce the uncommon result of making readers feel that we both know and trust the author.

Some of his devices are unexpected and draw our attention to important issues that don't make it onto the evening news; for example, Pentecost becomes a mirror for how well a church addresses "different generational needs of the congregation."

The "gang" in "Meet the Gang" refers to the myriad distractions that interrupt our prayers; Smith posits that such noises might represent the very things for which we need God's help. Elsewhere he writes of how we store up images and moments, and how bringing them into a "darkroom" of prayer allows them to "develop"; this process is particularly well suited to the long season after Pentecost.

"Fault Lines" takes us directly to the cracked and fragile places already under stress in the Episcopal Church (though it can be applied to other communities and situations). We can't heal those places by praying that God "enlighten and convert" those whose opinions and beliefs differ from ours. Rather, Smith suggests that we envision ourselves kneeling alongside those we differ with, asking "God to enfold us ... in a single embrace of love." By doing so we relinquish our wish to win over our opponent, instead turning things over to God.

The author uses Daily Planners and our neurotic need to control as counterexamples in "Insidious Grace" of what God wants us to be. It is through our unexpected encounters with God that we draw closest to God.

It is in those surprise juxtapositions of the ordinary with the spiritual that this book succeeds. It is a fine work, particularly for those seeking to deepen their spiritual commitment, sharpen their awareness of God's presence, and work on the issues that separate us from God. Each essay can be the subject of discussion or personal reflection.