As we enter the last week of 2022, here are 6 books that helped me on my journey into deeper Christlikeness this year.
If you’re looking for a companion on your journey in the new year, I couldn’t recommend these more!
1) A Burning in My Bones by Winn Collier
A beautiful portrait of Eugene Peterson’s life and ministry.
His love of Scripture and openness to the myriad of ways the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives is something I never tire of encountering through his writings.
2) Introduction to the Spiritual Life by Brant Pitre
Many are yearning for a deeper experience of Jesus. Pitre draws on spiritual writers from Christian tradition to offer a well-trodden path.
3) Voice of the Voiceless by Saint Oscar Romero
Saint Oscar Romero used his influence to speak out and in solidarity with those being robbed of their personhood and their lives in El Salvador—at the cost of his life.
These four pastoral letters offer a glimpse into the theology that was the backbone of his pastoral work.
4) Present Perfect by Greg Boyd
Are you living in moment-by-moment awareness of God’s presence in your life? I’m not….
But Boyd’s book is a welcome conversation partner with practical suggestions in learning to live in constant communion with God.
5) The Wisdom of the Desert by Thomas Merton
A collection of sayings by the Desert Fathers.
Packed with wisdom, it’s a must-read.
6) New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton
Merton continues to be a deep influence on my life.
This is a beautifully articulate book on his vision of the contemplative life.
What did you read in 2022 that helped you love Jesus more?
Let us know!
I love your list. I love all books by Brant Piete, what a wealth of information he has at his finger tips! I love Thomas Merton and have only read his book Seven Story Mountain. I have put the others you mentioned on my "to be read" list! I recommend St. Oscar Romero's movie with Raul Julia as St. Oscar Romero in Romero. Excellent!
The book that I read this year that helped me love Jesus was Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen. Initially written for his Jewish friend, Henry Nouwen writes a powerful book about living a spiritual life in a secular world. I highlighted most of the book.
Lastly, if St. Oscar Romero's life is inspiring to you. You might want to pick up the book A Shepherd Never Runs, describing the life of Blessed Stanley Rother, who originally was a priest from Okarche, Oklahoma. He died a martyr in Guatemala in the early 1980s. The shrine for Blessed Stanley Rother will open in Oklahoma City in February of 2023.
Thank you for your suggestions. I have a great supply of books to start the new year with:) God bless!