1. A Praying Life – Paul Miller
The best book on prayer I’ve ever read. Miller is a gifted writer, an insightful theologian, but perhaps most significantly, a man of deep humility and self-awareness. Thus, Miller invites us into the sometimes heart-wrenching crucible of his own spiritual journey and shows how the Lord continually met him in times of great desperation and disappointment. This book provides a remarkably fresh vision for prayer as well as helpful tools to put vision into practice.

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2. The Way of a Pilgrim – translated by R.M. French
An extraordinary narrative by an anonymous nineteenth-century Russian peasant who heard the words, ‘Pray without ceasing’ and proceeded to explore this call as he walked across the Russian countryside. This book had a profound influence on my spiritual journey when I read it as a freshman in college.

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3. Practicing His Presence – Brother Lawrence
One of the truly great spiritual classics. With disarming simplicity Lawrence invites us to abide moment-to-moment in the presence of Christ. Pound-for-pound, one of the most spiritually potent books of all time.

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4. Deep Relief Now – Dennis Clark
Notwithstanding the cheesy cover and uneven writing style, this has been the most helpful book I’ve ever read on the topic of forgiveness. Beyond the conveyance of mere intellectual content, with almost every chapter I was able to actually experience the life-changing power of Christ’s forgiveness in and through me. Again, don’t judge this book by its cover!

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5. The Healing Presence: Curing the Soul Through Union with Christ – Leanne Payne
One could include several of Payne’s books in this list, and her entire corpus is highly
recommended. Her approach to prayer and healing is distinctive in that her work is often a
sophisticated synthesis of CS Lewis, healing prayer, and prophetic cultural critique. If you’re looking for an intellectually-robust and always thought-provoking exploration of prayer and healing, Payne is the best you can find.

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6. The Power of Prayer and the Prayer of Power – RA Torrey

A refreshing and no-holds-barred approach to prayer, Torrey issues a clarion call to take God at His word and to approach His throne of grace with boldness! If you’re struggling with resignation or routine in your prayer life, this fiery text may give you the jump-start you need.

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7. Through Prayer – Bill Hyer
The best book on the Lord’s Prayer I’ve ever read. It is evident that the author knows what it is to walk in the personal, manifest presence of God. An exceedingly edifying read.

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8. Healing – Francis MacNutt
The classic introduction to healing prayer by one of the great pioneering practitioners of the late 20th century. A great place to start for anyone curious about the wide world of healing prayer.

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9. The Bondage Breaker – Neil Anderson
The best and most practical book on demonic oppression in the lives of Christians I’ve ever read. Not only will this wake you up to the nature of the spiritual battle, it will equip you to more effectively wield the weapons of righteousness in your daily life. Again, more than an exercise in theological reflection, this book will help you to actually experience the reality of Jesus’ great promise, ‘The truth will set you free!’

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10. Let Jesus Heal Your Inner Wounds – Cindy Strickler and Brad Long
The best book on inner, emotional healing I’ve ever read. I especially appreciate the theological precision these Presbyterians bring to the conversation. They will help you to better keep in step with the Holy Spirit so that Jesus can minister to the deep places of the soul.

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11. Rediscovering the Ministry of Blessing – Russ Parker
A phenomenal book by one of my mentors. This text will inspire you to embrace the often-lost calling of God’s people to be agents of blessing in the world. Among other things, this book transformed my practice of prayer-walking through neighborhoods.

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12. Prayer – Tim Keller
One of the best books by the greatest preacher of my lifetime. Surprisingly personal and practical for such an erudite apologist, Keller puts great emphasis on having a rich personal walk with Christ. Indirectly, he also provides wonderful insights into what fueled the power of his preaching.

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13. The Mustard Seed Book – Mike Flynn
Among Flynn’s many excellent, bite-sized books, this is my favorite. Flynn had an extraordinary gift of faith, and thanks-be-to-God, I’ve found it to be contagious through his writings.

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14. Prayer – Ole Hallesby
The classic text by my favorite Norwegian writer! I especially appreciate Hallesby’s emphasis on the inseparable connection between prayer and helplessness.

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15. Letters by a Modern Mystic – Frank Laubach
In many ways Laubach was a modern-day Brother Lawrence, and this book will encourage and inspire you to embrace a life of continual abiding in Christ.

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16. Healing the Family Tree – Kenneth McAll
An eye-opening account of a medical doctor’s exploration of healing beyond death. We may well question McAll’s interpretation of his many supernatural experiences, but the experiences themselves will give us pause for much thought. In the words of Shakespeare, ‘There are more things in heaven and earth Horatio than are dreamt of in your philosophy!’