I have recommended numerous books on this blog–many are listed under the “Books to read” tab. I realize that not every book that speaks to me personally will necessarily do the same for others, but I would like to at least mention a few books by Joshua Elzner that have greatly impacted my spiritual life over the last couple of years. I would even say that my relationship with the Lord has been significantly transformed as a result of reading his writings. So I offer them here knowing that there might be the possibility of them impacting your spiritual lives as well. 

This first book is set up to be read over the span of 40 days. It begins with a short autobiography written by Joshua in order to situate his writings within his own spiritual development. The chapters are short, just enough to chew on for a day. So many things from this book have impacted me. Here’s just a snippet from what I read a couple of days ago:

“All that I am, all that I have ever felt, known, had, or desired–all shame and fear, all desire and effort, all failure and guilt, all capacities and incapacities, all experience and expectation–everything, absolutely everything, is to be laid before him in trusting nakedness, and to be opened wide, in unconditional poverty, to receive his gift as he wishes to give it. And this gift is ultimately his very Self . . . ”

This next book is, as the cover indicates, a commentary on the Song of Songs. I have read many books on the Song of Songs, but this one by far opened up the Song in a way that no other had. If you are longing for intimacy with God, this is the book for you.

These next two have just been recently released and are the first two in the Dawnbringer series. They are written in the style of Tolkien and other great myth creators. This is an incredibly beautiful, well written story that has moved me to tears numerous times by its beauty and goodness. 

They can be purchased here.

I would love to know if you read him.