There are so many incredible books about the spiritual disciplines. Obviously, I am a huge fan of Foster’s Celebration of Discipline; but, I’d be remiss not to share with you several other books that have helped me grow in my understanding of the purpose and practice of the disciplines.
With only one month to cover such a vast expanse of information, we will be giving you just an overview of each discipline but perhaps these brief introductions will pique your interest and you’ll want to dig even deeper on your own. If so, these are some of the books I highly recommend.
- Intimate Faith: A Woman’s Guide to the Spiritual Disciplines by Jan Winebrenner
- Discipline: The Glad Surrender by Elisabeth Elliot
- Spiritual Disciplines Bible Studies by Jan Johnson {Perfect for individual or small group study. Each book covers two of the disciplines.}
- Into the Depths by Calvin Miller
- Authentic Faith by Gary Thomas
On Monday we had some other book recommendations by one of our readers {Thanks, Ashley!}. So, here are those books as well:
- Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney
- The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard {I love this book and recommend anything written by Willard!}
I also encourage you to read the works of writers such as St. John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Julian of Norwich, Brother Lawrence, Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, and Madame Guyon.
Any books you’d add to this list?
Great list, Terri! I just want to add one more: Living the Spirit Formed Life by Jack Hayford.
Thanks, Robin! I like Pastor Hayford so I’ll need to look for this book.
I’d recommend Sacred Chaos & The Soul at Rest by Tricia McCary Rhodes. She also has a few others on prayer and a great devotional for Lent (or any time really) called Contemplating the Cross.
Jessica, I just added Sacred Chaos to my wish list last week.
I’m actually giving away a copy of Sacred Chaos on my blog this week. The author is my pastor’s wife from my home church back in San Diego.
A book I have read numerous times, and am currently musing over yet again is “The Pursuit of Holiness”, by Jerry Bridges. He looks at our part and God’s part in our process of become more like Christ. I appreciate his focus on how obedience in the Spiritual Disciplines stems from a base of being in the Word; “Discipline towards holiness begins with the Word of God.” As we come to know the Word more and more, the Spirit brings to mind the things that we learn, and then we apply what He brings to mind.
I definitely think I’ll be adding this book to my wish list as well. Thanks, Katie!
I also recommend “Disciplines of a Godly Woman” by Barbara Hughes and “Disciplines of a Godly Family” by Kent and Barbara Hughes! I also recently read “Eat This Book” by Eugene Peterson and it really encouraged me to feast on the Word.
“Contrarian’s Guide to Knowing God” by Osborne
“Soul Revolution” by Burke {mainly on prayer}
Thanks, Ashley, for more great recommendations.
“Life Management for Busy Women” by Elizabeth George
Oh yes- I love everything by Elizabeth George!
Like Sandra, I am a huge Elizabeth George fan!