I try not to recommend books every time I might with someone for spiritual direction. It’s what good spiritual directors do — but it’s hard for me. I read a lot. Probably too much. I read enough that sometimes I don’t remember even reading certain books — even good ones.
These books below, though, are books that I remember, and remember well, around the topic of spiritual growth. They made an impact the first time I read them, and many of them I’ve read again. They left an impression on me, and perhaps they will for you as well. They are roughly in the order I read them, spread over the last 20 years or so.
The Divine Conspiracy, by Dallas Willard
If you haven’t read this one, give yourself time to work through it slowly. There is a lot to consider, and honestly, it reads pretty slow anyways. But might be the most influential books on spiritual growth and formation written in the last 50 years, so it’s worth the journey.
The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron
This isn’t a book on spiritual formation. It’s a book about tapping in to your creative self. I tend to think that there is a lot in common between spiritual growth and creative work — each of them requires a good amount of self-awareness.
The Gift of Being Yourself, by David Benner
Speaking of self-awareness, here’s a helpful book on the topic. But it also goes far beyond into a sense of identity, self and calling. I didn’t want to make this list too long, but this is the beginning of a trilogy of books, and the whole of it is worth reading.
Sacred Fire, Ronald Rolheiser
I’m into my sixth decade now, and have been interested in continuing to grow and mature as I age. Sacred Fire offers a helpful way of seeing what maturity and growth looks like as we move through different seasons of life.
The Solace of Fierce Landscapes, by Belden Lane
How can you not be interested just based on that title. Perhaps you have to pause and consider it, and that’s how a lot of this book flows. It’s not an academic book, but it’s not an easy read. But Lane invites us to acknowledge the themes of mountain and desert, and how those wild place invite us to find comfort and support in a divine presence.
Candlelight, Susan Phillips
Occasionally, people reach out because they are interested not only in receiving spiritual direction, but also they are considering becoming a spiritual director. I’ve read a small pile, and I think this offers the most accessible glimpse into what spiritual direction looks like.
Anatomy of the Soul, by Curt Thompson
I struggled with whether or not to include this book, because I’ve talked with a few people who really didn’t like it. But it’s among the most highlighted books on my shelves, and I think they way Thompson integrates the way our brains work alongside spiritual formation is very helpful.
Try Softer, by Aundi Kolber
I read this shortly after Anatomy of the Soul and there is a lot in common between the two books. I’ve included both because each has their own voice and nuance, while also affirming the primary theme that our emotional health is integral to our spiritual growth.
The Dark Night of the Soul, by Gerald May
I’ve read most of Gerald May’s books, and could recommend them all. This one made the list because it has a unique place in the world of spiritual formation. Anyone who takes their spiritual growth seriously is going to experience some kind of dark night of the soul, and this book can be a caring companion before, during or after such a season.
Our Unforming, by Cindy Lee
So much of the writing about spiritual formation lends itself to a western worldview that embraces the ideas of progress and growth. Lee brings an important, and refreshing, perspective that shows spiritual formation is more circular than linear.
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