5 Christian Books That Strengthened My Relationship With God
Here are 5 books that have helped strengthen my relationship with God. Please note: this list is not prioritized in order of recommendation. I have read and listened to many other excellent books, but these are my favorites.
Drawing Near: A Life of Intimacy with God
Author: John Bevere
Book: Drawing Near: A Life of Intimacy with God
I have reread this book several times and I would recommend it to anyone who desires to have a deeper personal relationship with God. I read it for the first time a couple of years ago when I began to seriously pursue my relationship with the Lord. This book has rich depth and gives a solid foundation that will enable you to seek God diligently and enjoy sweet fellowship with Him. It also provides a clear understanding of the fear of the Lord, which is the pathway to intimacy with God (Psalm 25:10).
Adamant: Finding Truth in a Universe of Opinions
Author: Lisa Bevere
Book: Adamant: Finding Truth in a Universe of Opinions
This book is very relevant to our day and age. It unpacks the need to be unshaken by societal trends by being firmly rooted in the word of God. The balance of truth and love is brought to the forefront, and by the end of reading, you will have a better understanding of how the two are complementary rather than incompatible. Also, Lisa’s writing style has a beautiful poetic flare that I adore.
(Bonus Books: I love anything John and Lisa Bevere, so picking only one from each is challenging. Check out Without Rival (Lisa) and God, Where Are You?! (John) for even more great reads!)
The Practice of the Presence of God
Author: Brother Lawrence
Book: The Practice of the Presence of God
This is a quick and insightful read - my favorite book on prayer. It is a collection of letters by Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk who worked as a cook in a kitchen. He shows what it is to have an ongoing prayer life that is not limited to separate devotion time. This book taught me to always be in a continual conversation with God regardless of the location. Here is a quote from the book: “The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament.”
Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer
Author: J. Oswald Sanders
Book: Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer
This book is essential for anyone in a leadership position - whether at school or in full-time ministry. It is full of practical examples and will clearly showcase what it means to be a godly leader. This is a great resource, and I will definitely be rereading it several times. The greatest takeaway for me was that “leaders” are servants, servants of God and servants of those God entrusts to their care.
Do Hard Things
Author: Alex and Brett Harris
Book: Do Hard Things
This book empowers teenagers to rebel against low expectations and to pursue the high calling of knowing Jesus Christ. It is filled with stories of teens making a difference for Christ in their homes, communities and around the world. I would recommend this book to any teenager who is passionate about their relationship with God as it provides a solid foundation for growth and excellence.
I have read several other great books that have inspired and encouraged me in my walk with God thus far. I am always anxious to recommend books for anyone interested, but these are my top choices. I want to note here that these wonderful reads are supplementary to the Bible. My relationship with God took off rapidly when I began to diligently read and study the Scriptures regularly out of a desire for deeper intimacy with God rather than a religious obligation. However, these books have enhanced my understanding of the word of God and have helped me build a biblical worldview. There is no substitute for God’s word, but these books are like the icing on the cake.
Happy reading!