This blogs flows out of a question a friend recently asked Pete and I around books that have most shaped our journey with Christ. I noticed a couple things:
- I follow authors more than books so each author is a person whom I respect and resonate with.
- I love books that, for me, are profound but nuanced in very practical ways.
- I read them more than once.
- I read them slowly and prayerfully.
The Attentive Life, Leighton Ford I know Leighton personally. Every time I’m in his presence I cry. That’s because every time I’m in his presence I’m given presence – attention, value, time stands still. In this book Leighton leads us to experience God’s presence the way I do when I’m with Leighton. New Seeds of Contemplation, Thomas Merton This book led me into a conversion of heart that slowed me down to enjoy God and receive His love in deeper ways. Again, doing for God must flow from being with God and prayer is essentially an awareness of His presence that is always there. Sleeping With Bread, Dennis, Sheila and Matthew Linn This is a very simple but profound book that practically applies St. Ignatius’ examen for helping to discern God’s will in our lives. Sometimes I know I am in God’s will when every cell in my body is relaxed. Up next — Part 3!!!!
