I love to read. I always have. I think that is why I majored in Literature in college, even though I saw no practical use for it outside of teaching English. Over the past two years, though, I have read less fiction and more non-fiction. After getting a job in youth ministry I started reading books on theology and spirituality to help me gain a better understanding of my faith. I felt that this “continuing education training” was a necessary aspect of my job. I started reading to help increase my knowledge so I can pass that knowledge on to the teens.
I quickly realized that I gained much more from my spiritual reading than I could ever pass on to the teens. Spiritual reading is a form of prayer. And in my life, it is a necessary form of prayer. I have found that during those times that I am reading something spiritual, the rest of my life seems to be in order. I am happier, my prayer life is good, my relationship with my wife and kids is great. During those times between books, my life is in disarray. I just recently went through a period of several months where for one reason or another I was not reading. My life was a mess. I was distracted and irritable. I was completely unfocused in my work and in my prayer life. I’ve started reading again, and my life is gradually getting back on track.
If you have a difficult time praying or focusing during prayer, pick up a book on faith and spirituality. Don’t read it like a novel, though. My 12 year old daughter can whip through a 300 page novel in about 3 hours. While that may be fine for reading for pleasure, spiritual reading takes more time, more patience. I can spend 2-3 months on one book.
When reading something spiritual, read slowly. And if you read something that strikes you as interesting, stop. Stop reading right there. There’s no need to finish reading the chapter, or even the paragraph. God is trying to speak to you in that moment. Stop reading and spend some time reflecting on what you just read. Figure out what God is trying to say to you. I’ve spent as little as 5 minutes and as much as 45 minutes reflecting on what I’ve read. There are times where I don’t even continue reading, where I don’t finish the chapter. Oftentimes I will write down the sentence or paragraph that I was reflecting on and I will journal about it, putting down on paper the words that God wants me to hear. The true essence of spiritual reading is prayer and reflection.
Where do you start? What books are good to start with? Well, I have a couple of favorites. First of all, Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly has had a profound impact on my spiritual life. I recommend it to anyone (Catholic or not) looking to grow in spirituality. I also recommend God, Help Me by Jim Beckman. Right now I’m reading, The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton for the second time. I never re-read books, so you know this one is good. When choosing a book, make sure that what is in it is not in conflict with the teachings of the Church. Look for a nihil obstat or imprimatur. Those designations are confirmation that the book is not in conflict with the teachings of the Church. Many books on spirituality will not have those designations, though. Look for authors that you know are faithful to the Church, like Matthew Kelly and Scott Hahn. If you are unfamiliar with the author, do some research before you pick up a book to read.
I always try to have a book to read. I realize that this is an important aspect of how I relate to God. It must come from my love of books. If you love to read, and haven’t tried spiritual reading, you really should. It could add a new dimension to your conversation with God.
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I agree with you, completely, I saw myself in your post. I would like to recommend "Fulfillment of All Desires" by Ralph Martin. That book made a huge impact on me. It's a book about the journey of God through the wisdom of five doctors of the Church.
GB
And don't forget the classics like St. Francis DeSales Introduction to the Devout Life.
Great article; I totally agree. Most of my spiritual growth has developed through the books that I have read.
Dont forget:
“BE A MAN” by Fr. Larry Richards
Good stuff, Tim.
An excellent habit recommended to me is to set aside 10 to 15 minutes every day to practice spiritual reading.
Some other books, which have short bits of content perfect for spiritual reading, include: The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, The Way by St. Josemaria Escriva, and Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales.
As St. Josemaria says:
Let me second Jason’s recommendation of The Way.
I’d also add The Soul of the Apostolate by Dom Jean-Baptiste Chautard to the list.
Great Post. Yes The Way is excellent.
I also recommend particularly books by Frank Sheed and Mons Ronald Knox. But then I'm a Brit, so I would…