Chances are that you have shelves filled with commentaries, a podcast app loaded with learning, and a calendar stacked with conferences—and we’re glad you do! Instead of adding more books or to-dos for your NONFICTION professional growth, these resources are intended to be invitations to rest and reflect. Enjoy a book in your favorite chair, listen to a podcast during an evening walk, or spend the weekend meditating on a retreat. Think savor, not study.
BOOKS
Nonfiction
Abba’s Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging by Brennan Manning (NavPress) From Burned Out to Beloved: Soul Care for Wounded Healers by Bethany Dearborn Hiser (IVP) Recapturing the Wonder: Transcendent Faith in a Disenchanted World by Mike Cosper (IVP) Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich (Oxford University Press) The Care of Souls: Cultivating a Pastor's Heart by Harold L. Senkbeil (Lexham Press) The Way of the Heart: The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers by Henri J.M. Nouwen (HarperOne)
Fiction
I, Julian: The Fictional Autobiography of Julian of Norwich by Claire Gilbert (Hodder Faith) Peace Like a River by Leif Enger (Corsair) The Undoing of Saint Silvanus by Beth Moore (Tyndale) Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, adapted and illustrated by James Sturm and Joe Sutphin (Ten Speed Graphic) When In Rome by Liam Callanan (Dutton)
Poetry
David's Crown: Sounding the Psalms by Malcolm Guite (Canterbury Press Norwich) Endless Life: Poems of the Mystics by Scott Cairns (Paraclete Press) Now, Now by Jennifer Maier (University of Pittsburgh Press) Touch the Earth: Poems on The Way by Drew Jackson (IVP) What the Light Was Like: Poems by Luci Shaw (WordFarm)
Podcasts
Abide Daily Meditation (Abide) Common Prayer Daily (Michael W. Livingston) Daily Lectio Divina (Abiding Way Ministries) Life with God: A Renovaré Podcast (Nathan Foster) The Liturgy of the Hours: Sing the Hours (Paul Rose)
Albums
Abide With Me, Sara Groves (Sponge Records) Patient Kingdom, Sandra McCracken (Integrity Music) Psalms: The Poetry of Prayer, Caroline Cobb (Caroline Cobb) Sanctuary Songs, The Porter’s Gate (The Porter’s Gate) Yet Not I, CityAlight (CityAlight Music)
Retreats
Monastery of Christ in the Desert Abiquiu, New Mexico This Benedictine Monastery follows St. Benedict’s rule and asks monks to treat each visitor as Christ would be treated. Stay for a minimum of two days and two nights. The suggested donation is $90 per night. Meals are included. https://christdesert.org/visiting/
Our Lady of Guadalupe Carlton, Oregon This Trappist abbey offers a monastic guest house and retreat environment built on the Eucharist, the table of fellowship, and the table of welcome. Stay for a minimum of two nights, maximum of ten. There is a required donation of at least $80 per day. Meals are included. https://www.trappistabbey.org/booking-a-retreat
Society of Saint John the Evangelist Cambridge, Massachusetts SSJE features an Anglican monastery and guesthouse that offer spaces of silence, beauty, and simple comfort to guests. There are specific dates to choose from, with some retreats including topical workshops at an additional cost. The suggested fee for a self-led retreat is $120 per night, $50 for students. Meals are included. https://www.ssje.org/reservation
