Top Books for Spiritual Formation: Nurturing Your Soul with Wisdom and Truth

As we journey through life, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, distracted, and disconnected from the deeper truths that anchor us. Spiritual formation is about cultivating a deeper, more intentional relationship with God, and reading books that guide and challenge us is an essential part of that journey. If I could hand you any seven Christian books, here they are—each one has deeply influenced my spiritual growth and shaped my understanding of God’s call on my life.

1. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

In a world that glorifies productivity and constant motion, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry is a breath of fresh air. John Mark Comer invites readers to slow down, step away from the frenzy of modern life, and rediscover the rhythms of rest and peace that God intended. As an eldest daughter in healthcare, I felt like someone was reading my mail—Comer’s words were spot on for the pressures and pace of my life. This book was probably the most practical and actionable from this list, offering concrete steps to eliminate hurry and cultivate more meaningful, intentional living. Comer encourages us to examine our fast-paced lives and make intentional choices to prioritize stillness, simplicity, and Sabbath. His insights have helped me refocus my spiritual practices, reminding me that hurry is not only unhelpful to our emotional well-being but also a barrier to experiencing the fullness of God.

2. The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield

Rosaria Butterfield’s The Gospel Comes with a House Key is a call to radical hospitality, reminding us that the gospel is best communicated through the welcoming and intentional love of others. This book was wildly challenging, but so good. It really caused a shift in how I view hospitality and relationships. Butterfield teaches us to see people first as God sees them—broken, loved, and in need of grace. Her narrative is both challenging and inspiring as she shares her own story of conversion and how opening her home to strangers, the broken, and the lonely is an expression of the gospel. This book reshaped my understanding of hospitality as a vital spiritual discipline and encouraged me to live out my faith through everyday acts of love and service.

3. A Praying Life by Paul Miller

Prayer is often a neglected or misunderstood aspect of the Christian life. Paul Miller’s A Praying Life offers an honest, relatable approach to building a life of prayer. Rather than focusing on formulas or rigid structures, Miller encourages readers to develop a life of conversation with God—honest, raw, and vulnerable. This book has helped me embrace prayer as a natural and ongoing conversation with a loving Father, drawing me closer to Him in the process.

4. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is a classic work of fiction that offers a unique perspective on the spiritual life. Written as a series of letters from a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew, Wormwood, this book humorously and insightfully explores the subtle ways in which we are tempted and drawn away from God. This book is scathing satire, but it is also golden in unwinding the intricacies of people’s fickle hearts. It teaches us to laugh at our own sinfulness and smallness while recognizing the subtle ways we can be led astray. This book has helped me recognize the spiritual battles I face daily and reminds me of the importance of staying vigilant in my faith.

5. The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis

Another of C.S. Lewis’s masterpieces, The Problem of Pain tackles one of the most difficult questions in Christian theology—why does God allow suffering? This book is highly existential, challenging, and probing, forcing readers to wrestle with the realities of pain, suffering, and the sovereignty of God. Lewis carefully navigates the delicate balance between God’s sovereignty and our own free will, addressing how both play a role in the existence of suffering in the world. It was my most transformational recent read, as it forced me to rethink the nature of suffering—not as something arbitrary or cruel, but as part of God’s larger purpose. Lewis doesn’t offer easy answers but instead invites readers into a deeper exploration of the mysteries of pain, all while clinging to the hope that God is good and present even in our darkest moments.

6. The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller

Marriage is one of the most important relationships we’ll ever experience, and yet it can often feel like a challenge, especially in a culture that idolizes personal fulfillment. Tim Keller’s The Meaning of Marriage offers a biblical vision of marriage that centers on selflessness, sacrifice, and mutual growth. Keller explores marriage as both a reflection of Christ's love for the church and a means of personal sanctification. This book challenged and convicted me in how I show up day in and day out in my marriage. We are meant to live holy first in marriage—happiness is a gift from God but not the barometer of whether or not your marriage is a success. This book has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of marriage as not only a covenant relationship but also a pathway to spiritual growth.

7. Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey

Nancy Pearcey’s Love Thy Body teaches you to be a stronger apologist and equips you to address current issues from one of our pre-eminent female biblical scholars. Pearcey challenges cultural assumptions about the body, human dignity, and moral reasoning, providing a strong foundation for discussing the most pressing ethical issues of our time. This book not only equips you with biblical truth but also prepares you to defend it in today’s rapidly changing world. Pearcey’s insights have deepened my understanding of the importance of the body in God’s design and how it relates to our identity, purpose, and faith.

Conclusion

These books have not only shaped my spiritual life but have also challenged me to look more closely at how I live out my faith in the everyday moments. Spiritual formation isn’t just about reading—it’s about applying what we learn and allowing God to shape us through the truths we encounter. I hope these books will encourage you to go deeper in your own walk with God and help you become more aware of His presence in your life.