Books are sorted by category of spiritual growth

Devotionals / Quiet Time

• My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers - this is my go-to devotional. I keep a Kindle copy on my phone, computer and iPad so I always have a resource for encouragement anytime, anywhere. I’ve probably read it through maybe 25 times. 
• Draw the Circle 40 Day Prayer Challenge by Mark Batterson - this amazing little book combines the disciplines of prayer and quiet time together in one challenging and inspiring read.

Overall Spiritual Health and Growth

• How People Grow by Henry Cloud & John Townsend - This is the single most effective book I’ve ever read on holistic spiritual growth in every area of life. Don’t let the sterile title keep you from reading this book — it’s simply life changing. 
• Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero - Developing a time-tested maturity level is a critical piece of being able to grow in Christ. From developing healthy relationships to understanding how to grow through suffering, this book offers transformative insights.
• Desiring God by John Piper - This book lit a fire in my heart to truly delight in God’s presence and pursue His desires above my own.

Overcoming Anxiety & Stress

• Loving God With All Your Mind by Elizabeth George - One of the best guides for learning how to train your mind not to worry and trust God through the most difficult of circumstances. 
• Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado - This easy read is a great way to remind yourself of how our heavenly father cares for us in every aspect of our lives. 
• Get Out Of That Pit by Beth Moore - If you need some tough love to encourage you to make positive changes in your life and live fully for Christ, this is the book for you.

Prayer and Divine Direction

• The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson - Simply life-altering for revolutionizing your understanding of prayer and the way that you pray. If your prayer life needs a shot in the arm, this book is amazing. 
• Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer - Are you struggling with a decision or with hearing God’s voice? Look no further than this deeply stirring book. 

Suffering & Trials

• When God Doesn’t Fix It by Laura Story - Life doesn’t always turn out rosy, even when we are walking closely with Jesus. Through real stories and compelling personal testimony, Laura helps us see how God brings beauty from ashes in even the most difficult circumstances. 
• Where is God When it Hurts by Philip Yancey - Have you ever felt like God isn’t listening or isn’t even around during your worst situations? Read this for incredible encouragement and theological insight into God’s design for suffering. 

Purity and Marriage

• The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller - Whether you’re single praying for a future mate or married now, this book is the best one I have ever read on the spiritual purpose of marriage. It will change how you view and pray for your future mate or your spouse. 

Belief and Trust in God

• Mere Christianity by CS Lewis - The definitive, classic work outlines the major truths of the Christian faith. If you want to know how to talk to non-believers, this is a great read. 
• Believing God by Beth Moore - Does God seem impersonal and distant to you? Do you really take the Bible at its word? This book draws you into truly knowing and abiding with God, not just believing in Him. 
• Ruthless Trust by Brennan Manning - Do you trust God with everything or do you still hold some corners of your heart in reserve from Him? When we truly give Him access to all of us, our lives change radically. This book is VERY deep and thought provoking, but well-worth the read if you struggle with trust. 

Health & Wellness for God

• The Daniel Fast by Susan Gregory - Fantastic book for drawing closer to God and learning the discipline of spiritual fasting. If you struggle with loving food too much, this book will gently guide you through a spiritual journey of healing. 
• Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst - When your life is dominated by your next meal or an obsession with food, you are not as free to serve God. Lysa helps you learn how to put God first in every area of your life and give Him glory with your body. 
• The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life by Rick Warren - Our bodies are temples of the living God and He calls us to keep them fit for the sacrificial life. This super practical book will teach you the fundamentals of healthy eating, exercise and wellness in a way that is doable for even the most dieting-averse people. 

Serving & Loving Others

• Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan - Are you ready to go all in for Jesus with your life? Do you wonder if you are serving others as He would want you to? Read this for a vision of what God is calling all believers to do with our time here on earth.  

Want to Grow Closer to

God this Summer?

Whether you're lying on the beach or chilling in a shade-covered hammock, summer is simply the perfect time to catch up on some powerful books to challenge, comfort or encourage you in your walk with Christ. 

This list contains a few of the books that have helped me grow and my prayer is that they'll do the same for you as you absorb their principles, pray about how they apply to you, and take steps to implement their suggestions. I'd love to hear your feedback on any of them or any books that you recommend to others! Happy reading and growing!

This List Contains Affiliate Links
As you review my list to the left, you'll notice that I've provided links to each book on Amazon. Please note that my recommendations are entirely based on my belief in their quality content and value for spiritual growth. Each link is an affiliate link, which means if you did choose to purchase one of the books by clicking on my links, I will earn a commission on the sale. However, this occurs at NO additional cost for you. Amazon is one of many choices for purchasing your books, but I offer these links for your convenience and the potential for me to earn financial support for my blog. Please do not feel obligated to purchase through Amazon.

Amazon Associate Disclosure
Kim Stiver is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.coreradiate.com.