Christian Books to Read for Spiritual Growth
If you’re anything like me, you probably have a growing wish list of Christian books you want to read. Books that speak to your heart, help you grow in your faith, and draw you closer to God. The truth is, I haven’t read all of these yet. Some are sitting in my cart, others on my wish list, and a few are sitting on my shelf waiting in line to be my next read.
But here’s why I’m sharing this list: because I know that sometimes we just need a recommendation. A little nudge. A resource that speaks to exactly what we’re walking through. Whether it’s anxiety, people-pleasing, spiritual burnout, or just a desire to get back into the Word.
These are books I genuinely want to read, and I hope you’ll find something you enjoy too.
1. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Why I want to read it: I’ve been craving a slower, more meaningful life that’s aligned with God’s pace, not the world’s. I’ve seen so many recommendations of this book and I think it’s for good reason.
What it’s about: A practical guide to slowing down and living at the pace of Jesus.
2. Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen
Why I want to read it: My thoughts spiral easily, especially when I’m anxious. I want to take my thoughts captive and replace them with truth.
What it’s about: How to stop toxic thinking by grounding yourself in God’s Word.
3. You Are the Girl for the Job by Jess Connolly
Why I want to read it: I often feel like I’m not enough or not equipped. This sounds like the encouragement I need. The encouragement we all need to pursue God’s purpose in our lives.
What it’s about: A reminder that God equips those He calls, and you’ve got a calling.
4. It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst
Why I want to read it: Life rarely goes according to plan. I’ve had many disappointments.I want to learn to trust God through those disappointments and hard times.
What it’s about: How to cling to hope when life doesn’t look the way you expected. Trusting God’s plan.
5. The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst
Why I want to read it: I know that this is something that I need to continue to work on. I say yes too much, and end up tired, anxious, and stretched thin. Hello, people-pleasing! This sounds like a helpful guide.
What it’s about: How to make wise decisions in a world of endless demands. Saying yes to Jesus.
6. 100 Days to Brave by Annie F. Downs
Why I want to read it: I want to build faith and courage in everyday moments. I want to trust God more and live without fear, especially when it comes to tackling my biggest problems.
What it’s about: A 100-day devotional journey to living with more confidence in God.
7. Breaking Free by Beth Moore
Why I want to read it: I’ve heard this is powerful for overcoming insecurity and strongholds. Jesus promises us freedom, but I don’t think I have fully accepted and embraced this freedom. I want to.
What it’s about: Discovering freedom through God’s truth.
8. Captivating by John Eldredge and Stasi Eldredge
Why I want to read it: This is another one that everyone seems to recommend to me! I want to better understand God’s heart for me as a woman.
What it’s about: Unveiling the beauty, strength, and identity of a woman fully alive in Christ.
9. Seeing God as a Perfect Father by Louie Giglio
Why I want to read it: It has been my prayer lately to see God as He truly is. I want to know Him and His character better. My view of God has sometimes been shaped more by fear than love. I also did not grow up as a Christian, so I still have a lot to learn.
What it’s about: Understanding God’s heart as a Father; one who loves, pursues, and protects.
10. The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley
Why I want to read it: I know the power of habits! I’m drawn to the idea of building habits that not only make my life better, but that bring me closer to Jesus.
What it’s about: Practical, life-giving rhythms for spiritual health and focus.
11. Subversive Sabbath by A.J. Swoboda
Why I want to read it: God has shown me the power of rest. Since I started participating in the Sabbath, my life has changed for the better. Maybe not drastically on the outside, but spiritually, mentally and physically. I’d love to know more!
What it’s about: The surprising power of Sabbath in a culture that never stops.
12. How to Have a Better Relationship with Anybody by James Hilt
Why I want to read it: Relationships can be tough, and I want to grow in how I love people. God has gifted me with so many beautiful relationships. I want to honor Him and these relationships in the best way I possibly can.
What it’s about: Simple and biblical ways to build stronger, healthier relationships. A Christian perspective on relationships.
13. What If God Wrote Your Bucket List? by Jay K. Payleitner
Why I want to read it: This sounds like a fun one. I want to dream big, but with God at the center.
What it’s about: 52 faith-based adventures and challenges for a meaningful life.
14. Attacking Anxiety by Shawn Johnson
Why I want to read it: Anxiety has affected my life deeply, and I want to learn how to better fight back in faith and to help others to do the same.
What it’s about: A pastor’s raw journey from panic and depression to freedom in Christ. A helpful guide to addressing anxiety.
15. The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller
Why I want to read it: I want to stop overthinking myself and start thinking more about Jesus and others. For me, anxiety is rooted in self-centeredness. Not that I think highly of myself, but that I think about myself (the good, the bad and the ugly) often.
What it’s about: Gospel-centered freedom from pride, shame, and self-obsession.
16. The Bible
Why I want to read it (again and again): It’s God’s living, breathing Word. Because no other book transforms like this one. It’s the most important book on the list and if we’re not reading this one, there’s no point in reading the others.
What it’s about: God’s love, truth, redemption, and the story we’re all living in.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’ve read one of these or all of them, or none yet, I hope this list gave you something to look forward to. If a title jumped out at you, maybe that’s the Holy Spirit nudging you toward something He wants to speak into your life.
I’d love to know: which of these are on your list too? Or is there another book you’d recommend I add?
