J. Brent Bill

Paraclete Press, 2005

J. Brent Bill is a widely-known Quaker author and leader. So his understanding of that spiritual heritage (formally called the Society of Friends) has deep roots and his articulation of it is well-informed, inspiring, and warmly presented. He guides readers into a wonderful introduction to Quaker history and theology, emphasizing particularly the concept of silence as the sacramental presence of Christ:"..we believe that when our hearts, minds, and souls are still, and we wait expectantly in holy silence, that the presence of Christ comes among us." (p. 3). 

Mary C. Earle

Morehouse Publishing, 2007 

Here is a wonderful book which guides the reader into the stories and spiritual practices of holy mothers, the ammas, of the early church in the Near Eastern desert.  Earle, an Episcopal priest, spiritual director, and author of Beginning Again, Broken Body, Healing Spirit, and Marvelously Made introduces us to the women mystics who birthed the Christian contemplative movement.

Jan L. Richardson

Wanton Gospeller Press, 2012

This is a re-publication of Richardson's 2000 In Wisdom's Path, a reflection on the liturgical seasons and the gracious presence of Wisdom around us and beside us. 

Thich Nhat Hanh

Shambhala Publications, 2012

This convenient little book contains the best quotations of Thich Nhat Hanh, the globally admired Vietnamese spiritual teacher and Zen Buddhist monk.  It's a wonderfully handy reference for inspiration and reflection.

Mirabai Starr

Monkfish Book Publishing, 2012

Mirabai Starr, professior of religion and author of Teresa of Avila:The Book of My Life and Saint John of the Cross, has a new book which considers the link of love and wisdom shared by the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 

Fr. John-Julian, OJN

Paraclete Press, 2009

This is the first book which includes all of Julian of Norwich's writing in modern English and which puts her life and works in context.  Fr. John-Julian has a knowlegeable yet accessible perspective on Juilan's life and the contemporary setting.

Roberta C. Bondi

Fortress Press, 1987

Roberta Bondi, scholar and retired professor of church history, brings her intimate knowledge of the desert mothers and fathers and shares their experience with God's divine love at the heart of Christian faith. By their contemplative life, these men and women followed the path of love which brought them not only the humility to confront their own shortcomings, but a deep peace of union with God.

Buy this book at Amazon

Buy this book at IndieBound

J. Philip Newell

Paulist Press, 2000

This little jewel of a book offers reflections and then questions that probe for our awareness of the kingdom of God around us and within us in the "promptings of paradise."  Internationally recognized Celtic author and scholar John Philip Newell succintly discusses its location in the world, in the church, in our prayer, and in our desire, out of earthly pain, for healing in the world.

Buy this book at Amazon

Buy this book at IndieBound

Megan Don

New World Library, 2005

The wisdom found in The Interior Castle by Teresa of Avila, a 16th-century nun, has been translated into contemporary English.  Each short chapter is followed by mediations to help the reader further contemplate her words. 

William A. Barry, S. J.

Ave Maria Press, 2009

Jesuit and spiritual director Barry first published this book in 1991.  Now in paperback, in it he shares his practices of the Exercises of St. Ignatius as they were originally intended for individual study and practice.