I thought I’d list a sampling of Christian books I found helpful over the years. I got the idea from Dr. Reluctant. That said I am not of his caliber. So, caveat emptor. Moreover, I strongly believe that God often sends us books to read needful for our growth. But our needs may vary and be met by different books.
One more thing: Michael Vlach has made an important observation,
Remember that in 2022 you are better off reading a few great books slowly or more than once than being in a race to read 80 books a year or one a week. Pick quality over quantity.
I strongly agree with that sentiment, and further confess to having a small stack of books lying around which haven’t been properly attended to yet. Here’s my (non-exhaustive) list of helpful books. I may add to it from time to time:
Prayer
Prayer comes first. It’s the lifeblood of the church; yet sorely needed and often neglected.
A Call to Prayer by J. C. Ryle is actually a highly readable booklet. And it is available as a free download thanks to Monergism.
Developing a Healthy Prayer Life by Beeke & Beeke is another valuable nuts and bolts prayer guide. This one was of great help to me. It is a deceptively compact book which plumbs the depths of prayer.
Taking Hold of God: Reformed and Puritan Perspectives on Prayer (Beeke) – the title speaks for itself. This is a longer read but worth the effort.
Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans – edited by Robert Elmer, this book is a treasure.
Devotionals
Devotionals can be a personal thing. But they should contain good theology. It’s hard to go past Charles Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening. Alistair Begg’s modernization is helpful, though I don’t mind the archaic language of the original.
I think the Puritans did it best. Voices from the Past Volume One and Volume Two ought to be considered.
The Valley of Vision can be a tough devotional. Not for the fainthearted.
Spurgeon’s Own Hymn Book isn’t strictly a devotional. But I use it that way. I love the devotional poetry in the hymns. It permanently resides on my desk.
The Christian life
Ian Hamilton’s books The Faith-Shaped life and The Gospel-Shaped Life have been invaluable to me. He has the true heart of a pastor. I also love his Ephesians Commentary. See also Michael Reeves’ Spurgeon on the Christian Life.
Spiritual Warfare
Prayer dovetails with Spiritual Warfare. Charles Spurgeon’s Prayer & Spiritual Warfare is a goldmine. Even if the cover looks like a Frank Peretti novel!
Also invaluable is Chip Ingram’s The Invisible War. Don’t go looking for demons under your bed or in the closet, but Spiritual Warfare is a daily reality.
William Gurnall’s The Christian in Complete Armour is both daunting, majestic and worth it.
Somewhat related to eschatology
I could go crazy here, and I won’t. But please do get a copy of Paul Henebury’s book The Words of the Covenant. My fear is that it gets lost in the noise of other books and lack of publicity. Go follow his blog as well.
Michael Vlach’s He Will Reign Forever is a must read too. See also his more recent The Old in the New. Yes, there are prophetic components to it.
Forsaking Israel: How it Happened and Why it Matters is an important contribution in the discussions regarding Israel’s relationship to the church and eschatology.
Biography & Miscellaneous
Biographies are highly personal choices. I’ve benefited from Bonar’s Diary and Life; The Life of John Milne of Perth and The Pastor of Kilsyth (among others). Iain H. Murray’s The Forgotten Spurgeon is especially relevant for our times (the Downgrade Controversy).
A special mention must go to Michael Reeves’ Rejoice & Tremble. I love this book! Read it along with the Psalms.
Let us know if you have other suggestions.
Maranatha!
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