When you are starting a new year or a new season, books can be an encouraging source of guidance as you seek to strengthen your relationship with God.
Consider these helpful titles from the United Methodist Publishing House:
Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith, by Adam Hamilton
Everyone has doubts. Where is God when bad things happen? Does God hear our prayers? Is there a heaven? How can we know? Often, we treat such questions as the enemy of faith. But uncertainty doesn’t mean our belief is lacking. Doubt can be a path to a deeper, richer encounter with God. Adam Hamilton discusses some of our most significant sources of doubt and shows how a steady trust in God can emerge from them.
The Methodist Book of Daily Prayer, by Matt Miofsky
Prayer is a spiritual practice, and daily prayer uses the repetition of forms and words to cultivate a deep, meaningful ritual, drawing the individual into an ever-closer relationship with God. Each set of morning and evening prayers found in this book centers on a Scripture passage, with an emphasis on the Psalms. The prayers draw from familiar historic, classic and ancient Christian texts, from Methodism’s rich hymnody, and from original words from new writers.
On Purpose, by Magrey deVega, Sam McGlothlin, Jevon Caldwell-Gross and Susan Robb
We are hungry for a sense of purpose, direction and calling in our lives. We want to participate in something that has eternal merit and lasting impact. This book helps us see God's purpose for our lives, understand how to open ourselves to God's voice and find a way to take the first or next step to follow God's call. You will learn how to channel your passions and live the life you were meant to live.
The Bible Year Devotional, by Magrey deVega
Not the type to sit down and read the entire Bible? Yes, the goal is to read the whole Bible in a year, but think about it in terms of smaller, daily goals. This is a commitment to read a short selection from the Bible plus a concise devotional every day. You can do that – especially since this bookhas it all mapped out for you day by day. Plus, you’ll also get summaries of key themes and ideas to help you better digest and understand your readings.
Holy Living – Simplicity, by Wendy J. Miller
At its core, the spiritual practice of simplicity enables us to eliminate from our lives all the things that distract us from God so that God has complete freedom to work in and through us. Simplicity brings freedom, balance and perspective to our lives and enables us to align our priorities with the priorities of God. It reorients us and allows us to be open to the present moment. This book helps us know how to begin and implement this practice.
Holy Living – Neighboring, by Jorge Acevedo
Both the Old and New Testaments call the people of God to love God completely, as well as to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Jesus told his followers these were the greatest commandments. This book first defines what is meant by the spiritual practice of neighboring and then looks at ways we can live into neighboring as a spiritual practice in our own lives and in the lives of our churches and communities.
Holy Living – Prayer, by Ray Buckley
Prayer has always been a central component in the life of a Christian. For many people, prayer is as natural as breathing; for others, it's a challenging task. No matter your comfort level or experience with prayer, this book will help you explore the purpose of prayer, the nature of prayer and the results of a life of prayer. It leads you to be open to the transformation prayer can bring to your life and helps you better engage in prayer both individually and with others.
Laura Buchanan works for UMC.org at United Methodist Communications. Contact her by email.
This story was published on December 14, 2023.
