Good books for spiritual direction

Onesimus

For me I think the best book out there for spiritual direction is ''Imitations of Christ''. It was written by Dutch Monk and Mystic Thomas a Kempis in 1418 and, next to the bible, is said to be the most read book worldwide. :eek:

It was the book I read before reading the Bible at all. and then I read the Bible after that. I remember sitting in a Church reading it and some guy came up and said ''Ever thought about reading the Bible?'' and he handed me a little note with scriptural verses on it. That got me thinking ''I've never really read the Bible yet, I must go home and get it.''

So with the scriptures I think Imitations of Christ is a good book to have and read.

totus tuus

I have that book on my kindle but haven't got around to reading it yet.

The 'Life of Christ' by Bl. Fulton Sheen comes highly recommended, which is on my next to read list!

Onesimus

Yeah I enjoy his programs on EWTN. Great to have a Saint such as himself out there.

Doc Farrell

It's a very important book in the history of Christianity but probably too advanced for the average reader today. It's available to download for free on a number of different sites.
Thomas a Kempis had a very unfortunate death, he was buried alive and the scratches found inside the coffin is given as the reason why he isn't officially a saint, which seems a little harsh...
I think thats the story I heard.

Onesimus

Doc Farrell wrote: »

It's a very important book in the history of Christianity but probably too advanced for the average reader today. It's available to download for free on a number of different sites.
Thomas a Kempis had a very unfortunate death, he was buried alive and the scratches found inside the coffin is given as the reason why he isn't officially a saint, which seems a little harsh...
I think thats the story I heard.

I disagree. I think Imitations of Christ is extremely simple and I read it when the only prayer I knew was the Rosary. I had not yet even become familiar with the Gospel either.

What would be a difficult book for a beginner like myself would be St.John of the Cross works. A lot of people seem to shy away from his works because its very deep stuff, but I still think they should be read and done so with a spiritual director, ( preferably a carmelite ).

lmaopml

Onesimus wrote: »

I disagree. I think Imitations of Christ is extremely simple and I read it when the only prayer I knew was the Rosary. I had not yet even become familiar with the Gospel either.

What would be a difficult book for a beginner like myself would be St.John of the Cross works. A lot of people seem to shy away from his works because its very deep stuff, but I still think they should be read and done so with a spiritual director, ( preferably a carmelite ).

Be careful Onesimus with identifying with St. John of the Cross - not everybody goes there everyday on their pilgrimage through life, not everybody has to either - the Holy Spirit and Christ who walks the miles alongside us is our comfort, and our 'Joy', never lose your 'Joy' - be a happy Saint You will draw a multitude by your happiness..

Sometimes, the life of St. John visits us when we most need it, and uninvited! He's there as an example of a 'Dark Night'......St. John was an honest pilgrim - a beautiful person who came out triumphant and narrated his journey for those who find themselves there...he was singularly exceptional in expressing it however and it may not 'ring' with everybody, but certainly he will ring with those who feel like a little water when the battle gets tough or somebody throws smoke in your eyes.


Remember prayer. Remember the 'peace' he leaves you too, and linger in that, that's your strength - prayer is communion.

St. John was put through the furnace in this life...and he glistened. That was his path, not everybody tramples it, but some may need to...

bonniebede

i've found the exercises of st ignatious of loyola very helpful.:)

and st francis de sales. and 'spiritual combat' by scupola.

Doc Farrell

lmaopml wrote: »

Be careful Onesimus with identifying with St. John of the Cross - not everybody goes there everyday on their pilgrimage through life, not everybody has to either - the Holy Spirit and Christ who walks the miles alongside us is our comfort, and our 'Joy', never lose your 'Joy' - be a happy Saint You will draw a multitude by your happiness..

Sometimes, the life of St. John visits us when we most need it, and uninvited! He's there as an example of a 'Dark Night'......St. John was an honest pilgrim - a beautiful person who came out triumphant and narrated his journey for those who find themselves there...he was singularly exceptional in expressing it however and it may not 'ring' with everybody, but certainly he will ring with those who feel like a little water when the battle gets tough or somebody throws smoke in your eyes.


Remember prayer. Remember the 'peace' he leaves you too, and linger in that, that's your strength - prayer is communion.

St. John was put through the furnace in this life...and he glistened. That was his path, not everybody tramples it, but some may need to...

Very good post lmaopml.
And in the case of each of the teachers mentioned in this thread it is very important to get direction, advice and help from an experienced spiritual director. There are many dozens, if not hundreds of books available that will explain and moderate these classics. For example even though St Ignatius undertook his spiritual exercises alone in a cave I doubt he would want us to!

molly09

Which of these books mentions above would you recommend for a novice reader of spiritual books. For example I am just nearly finished the "Miracles do happen" by Sister Briege Mckenna which I really enjoyed.

Doc Farrell

Molly if I was in your shoes I would go into a good bookshop and have a good browse. There are many hundreds of good writers to choose from. None of the my favourite writers might be to your taste. Some are concerned with areas that might not be useful to you such as politics or history.
Simply ask a local sister or priest who they like to read and why.
I think it's important to remember that anyone can publish a book so check their credentials, find out who they are before taking their words too seriously! Unfortunately this important advice doesn't really work for Internet contributors which is why it's doubly important never to take the opinions of anonymous writers here too seriously at all!
And if you find a book heavy going or too exhausting just put it aside and pick up another. Some of the writers that I read actually rewrite the early drafts of their work to simplify and clarify what it is they are trying to share.
I hope you enjoy whoever you choose to read, books are one of the true treasures of life.

georgieporgy

I would second Doc's advice Molly. Some good publishers are Ignatius Press, Image Books, and Scepter Publishers.

Each of these carry long lists of interesting stuff.

Veritas bookshops in Ireland have good selections but often carry a little trash on their shelves as well so thread carefully.

totus tuus

I just ordered "The Lamb's Supper" by Scott Hahn at Veritas, yesterday - it comes highly recommended! Sadly the Kindle version at Amazon is for U.S. residents only!

Each time we celebrate the Mass we enter into the heavenly liturgy which is so powerfully and beautifully described in the Book of Revelation. The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth, will help you understand the Book of Revelation in light of the Mass.

Doc Farrell

Just a quick note on kindle, I can download any book I like on amazon.com but I can't access many on amazon.co.uk.

Manach

For the more formal and serious side of things I've started, "The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life" - though it has one or two jokes in it.
For the lighter side, some short stories on Ft. Brown given there is BBC Series started on it this week.

Doc Farrell

I'm already a middle aged fanboy of James Martin on Facebook, he links to a great many projects each day but I haven't had a chance to read much Chesterton, although a few of his books are giving me ugly looks on the table nearby.

bonniebede

molly09 wrote: »

Which of these books mentions above would you recommend for a novice reader of spiritual books. For example I am just nearly finished the "Miracle.s do happen" by Sister Briege Mckenna which I really enjoyed.

the cross and the switchblade is a good read, though not a catholic he gives an interesting account of following the leading opf ther holy spirit.

Rome sweet home is a good book by scot and kimberley hahn, and there are collections of shorter stories of peoples lives in 'surprised by joy, several volumes of people finding god.

'the catholic mystuque' has an interesting number of stories of wqomen coming back to their faith.

I would strongly reccommend reading the life of fr ewalter ciszek, a jesuit who spent years in a russian prison camp. 'with god in russia' reads like an adventure story and tells about what happened in his life. Following up to that he wrote 'he leadeth me'. it add some details to the story, but is more of a spiritual reflection on his life story, and some thoughts on what he learned from god over the years. for example, in with god in russio, he talks about the many years he spent on solitary confinement, in he leadeth me he talks about the effect on his prayer and spiritual life of being isolated like that for many years. i found the two books unforgettable.

two books well worth getting are 'a prayer primer' and deep conversion, deep prayer' both by fr thomas dubay, and they are excellent introductions to deepening prayer. he also has a good one called 'seeking spiritual direction' on how to choose a spiritual director, and what to do with them.

Finally on growing in the spiritual life, 'the fulfillment of all desire' by ralph martin is very good.

Attabear

I have read The Way by St. Josemaría Escrivá. I found it very engaging and a very easy read. Though the way of life described within would not be easy.

It's largely available for free online.

Doc Farrell

With God in Russia is a definite on my list of must read books. Appropriate weather outside for it!

Doc Farrell

A quick note to mention that 'With God in Russia' has just been released on kindle on amazon.com. I've just bought an old copy instead from the book depository for 11 euro including postage.

on a slightly related note, Reads of Nassau St are selling 'The complete illustrated encyclopedia of saints' for 6.99 euro. Isbn 1846813433. A coffee table type book, very easy read if you're not squeamish (messy business being a martyr or saint!).

lmaopml

Doc Farrell wrote: »

I'm already a middle aged fanboy of James Martin on Facebook, he links to a great many projects each day but I haven't had a chance to read much Chesterton, although a few of his books are giving me ugly looks on the table nearby.

Pick them up Doc In particular 'The Everlasting Man' and 'Orthodoxy' - VERY strange and scary titles, almost burn the fingers when you read the title...hehe... but the 'wit' of Chesterton is fabulous - I am quite sure you would enjoy both books in said order. Chesterton is a gem! Lewis was a great fan..

totus tuus

I'm also a fan of Fr. James Martin on FB.

Geomy

You should also try out the spiritual forum,and some of the writings about Sufis such as Rumi are also good.

Awareness by Anthony De Mellow is good,and Walking on Water.

I read about Spirituality and mindfulness etc but stay away from the hell fire and brimstone rubbish...

georgieporgy

Onesimus wrote: »

For me I think the best book out there for spiritual direction is ''Imitations of Christ''. It was written by Dutch Monk and Mystic Thomas a Kempis in 1418 and, next to the bible, is said to be the most read book worldwide. :eek:

It was the book I read before reading the Bible at all. and then I read the Bible after that. I remember sitting in a Church reading it and some guy came up and said ''Ever thought about reading the Bible?'' and he handed me a little note with scriptural verses on it. That got me thinking ''I've never really read the Bible yet, I must go home and get it.''

So with the scriptures I think Imitations of Christ is a good book to have and read.

You might find this site a useful resource for material:
http://rcspiritualdirection.com/blog/about