My Life List of Books for Spiritual Formation
A compilation of favorite books for those in different seasons or stages of their journey with God.
Once a month, I volunteer in our church bookstore. It’s a simple way to welcome people, learn their names, and give them space to wander (something that can be especially helpful for introverts or visitors).
I love being surrounded by books. But what I love even more is when someone asks for a book recommendation.
This past Sunday in the bookstore, I met a woman visiting from Michigan. She was looking for a book for her son. When I asked about his interests and faith life, she said he considered himself an agnostic—someone who believes it’s impossible to know whether or not God exists. Honestly, I think we all have a little bit of the agnostic in us. Life is a mystery, isn’t it? And God’s work within it is, too.
But this man is also going through a mid-life divorce, and she wanted a book that would meet him where he’s at. So, I suggested two: a book for the heart and a book for the mind.
Then it got me thinking: What is my "life list” of favorite books on spiritual formation? (Forgive the birding term—I’m obsessed with the Merlin app right now!) What would I recommend to friends in very different parts of their journey with God? Or in different life seasons?
While I believe anything can form us spiritually (because God is in all things), many have dedicated their lives to studying, exploring, and experiencing God, and their words can serve as an intentional guide or at least a companion as we pursue a life of faith. For years, I’ve grown to love many books as I would a close friend. They have helped deepen and enrich my life with God, helping me grow in love and notice what he’s up to.
I’m so grateful for these literary companions. So, I thought I would compile my top 33 books for spiritual formation.
Please note that I’ve arranged them into specific categories, in case it’s helpful. I also included male and female authors from different decades, writing styles, and Christian traditions because I believe it’s important to read widely, not just the current NYT bestseller list or authors with the exact same beliefs.
May we all know the joy of a good book that finds us right when we need it.
(Note: Only one of these titles is fiction because I think it reads more like the author’s memoir; can you spot it??)
For Everyday Walking with God
Every Moment Holy, Vol 1: New Liturgies for Daily Life by Douglas Kaine McKelvey
A book of liturgies for everyday moments.
Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren
Reflections on how even the most mundane tasks (like making your bed) are sacred.
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society by Eugene Peterson
A simple and honest guide to growing in our lives with God, following the Psalms of ascent from Scripture.
The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions by Emily P. Freeman
Emily’s the girl I want to teach me about decision-making. Her insights are always wise and practical.
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
An older (& short) account by a man devoted to God known as the “dish-washing monk.”
Be Still My Soul: Reflections on Living the Christian Life by Elisabeth Elliot
A helpful guide on the idea of stilling our inner lives to make space for God’s voice.
Meeting God at Every Turn: A Personal Family History by Catherine Marshall
A story exploring a God who cares is portrayed in twelve turning points in Marshall’s life—from romance, birth, and success through grief, illness, and failure.
To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings by John O’Donohue
Celtic blessings for the poet at heart.
For Times of Darkness or Disillusionment
The Night Is Normal: A Guide through Spiritual Pain by Dr. Alicia Britt Chole
Chole wrote her dissertation on how disillusionment is a necessary part of our spiritual journey, reworking it into short digestible chapters for readers.
The Dark Night of the Soul: A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection Between Darkness and Spiritual Growth by Dr. Gerald G. May
Part biography, part theology, this is a brilliant exploration of the lives of St. Teresa De Avila and St. John of the Cross and their encounters with the human experience we call the ‘dark night of the soul.’
This Beautiful Truth: How God's Goodness Breaks into Our Darkness by Sarah Clarkson
A beautiful memoir on how God meets us in our suffering. In it, Sarah shares specifically about her OCD and how it impacted her early life, faith, university years at Oxford, and hope for finding a romantic partner.
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: How I Learned to Live a Better Story by Donald Miller
A personable memoir on editing and revising the path you’re on to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life story.
For the Skeptic
Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale by Frederick Buechner
A quirky, literature-inspired conversation on the importance of truth-telling in the Christian life.
Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life by C. S. Lewis
A memoir on Lewis’s childhood and young adult years, where he describes his first encounters with joy (in flowers, novels, etc.) and the feeling of longing.
A Severe Mercy: A Story of Faith, Tragedy, and Triumph by Sheldon Vanauken
A gorgeous memoir on love and loss, chronicling the lives of two 20-somethings who met, fell in love, and became Christians during their time at Oxford University. The story includes rare letters between the couple and C. S. Lewis, who was a spiritual mentor to them.
For the One Whose Faith Is Evolving
Beholding: Deepening Our Experience in God by Strahan Coleman
Part memoir, part meditation on what it means to develop a life of “beholding” prayer (not praying to get a result but to abide in Jesus).
Surprised by Oxford: A Memoir by Carolyn Weber
A lively, literature-influenced memoir following one woman’s adventures in college, her blossoming love story with a theology student, and transformation from atheism to Christianity.
Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World by Henri Nouwen
A warm, inviting read all about what it means to be God’s beloved.
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming by Henri Nouwen
One of Nouwen’s great works inspired by Rembrandt’s iconic painting, also weaving in stories from the author’s time with the L'Arche Daybreak Community.
Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint by Nadia Bolz-Weber
A slightly unorthodox memoir about never being too far from God to encounter his love and call to ministry, by a now-Lutheran pastor.
Chasing Frances: A Pilgrim’s Tale by Ian Morgan Cron
A story of a megachurch pastor’s faith crisis and exit, which led to an unexpected pilgrimage to Italy to visit his uncle, a Franciscan priest.
On Suffering, Healing & Wellbeing
Miracles and Other Ordinary Things: A Story of Unlearning and Relearning God by Sarah Bessey
A thought-provoking memoir on Bessey’s pilgrimage to Rome and how her physical healing didn’t quite stick.
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: It's Impossible to Be Spiritually Mature, While Remaining Emotionally Immature by Peter Scazzero
Such a good read for anyone looking to grow in health, understand their family of origin story, and deepen their journey with Jesus.
This Too Shall Last: Finding Grace When Suffering by K. J. Ramsey
A candid portrait of what it’s like living with chronic illness in a world that wants to fix you.
Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives by Dr. Richard A. Swenson
A helpful guide to pruning unnecessary time-suckers and restoring space and margin in your everyday life.
Writing As a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives by Louise DeSalvo
A research-filled book on how the creative process—specifically therapeutic, story-based writing—can help us heal.
Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering by Kelly M. Kapic
A slightly academic but still readable work on asking God the hard questions and ultimately letting pain be pain instead of overspiritualizing everything.
On Arts, Culture & Vocation
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
A foundational text for all writers, everywhere. Anne’s honest, down-to-earth way of talking about life (which always gives a nod to faith) is refreshing.
On Fairy-Stories by J. R. R. Tolkien
Tolkien’s most famous essay, a beautiful reflection on the power of story and healthy escapism.
Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart: What Art Teaches Us About the Wonder and Struggle of Being Alive by Russ Ramsey
This is the one book I haven’t read yet, but it’s on my TBD. I’ve loved Russ’s other books and have no doubt this title belongs here (especially being a lover of Van Gogh!).
Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L’Engle
One of the earlier conversations on the intersection of faith and art that has influenced so many.
The God of the Garden: Thoughts on Creation, Culture, and the Kingdom by Andrew Peterson
Peterson’s second memoir, full of thought-provoking stories and a strong theme of place.
Why Everything That Doesn’t Matter, Matters So Much: The Way of Love in a World of Hurt by Charlie Peacock and Andi Ashworth
A memoir written by a husband-wife team, each chapter alternating between their unique perspectives. Charlie & Andi formed Art House Nashville many years ago and have shown care and hospitality to countless people.
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Always love to see another Nouwen ‘stan on here, I’m a HUGE fan of his
So many of mine are on the list!
I would add A Curious Faith by Lore Ferguson Wilbert and the Art of Gathering by Priya Parker (because even if it's not in the spiritual book world, it will make you reexamine how and why the church meets),