Books on Prayer, Virtues and the Spiritual Life

by Fr. Gary Coulter

Contact Fr Gary Coulter Go to Fr. Coulter's Homepage Good Counsel Retreat House

A list of suggested Catholic resources for growing in virtue and one's relationship with God, through prayer and a deeper spiritual life.

See My Other Books Lists
ApologeticsIntellectual Books (Youth/Adult)Catholic PeridodicalsBooks for Priests/SeminariansConversion Stories


Books Online

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis [Purchase]
The most printed book after the Bible, these meditations on the life and teachings of Jesus have been a guide and inspiration for millions, including many saints.
Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis of Sales [Purchase]
The classic text on how to live a holy life in a secular world - the truly devout life need not be one of complete withdrawal from the world.
True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary by St. Louis de Montfort [Purchase]
The genuine path "to Jesus, through Mary." Why Catholics are devoted to Mary and how that true devotion is to be lived out.
Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Caussade [Purchase]
A simple and inspiring guide to the open-hearted acceptance of God's Will - how complete surrender to Him leads to serenity, happiness, and spiritual peace.
Confessions by St. Augustine of Hippo [Purchase]
An autobiography of sin and wickedness until his conversion to Christianity - an inspiring journey of hope through Christ and His Cross.
The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux [Purchase]
Her "little way" of spiritual childhood for achieving heaven is for everyone.
The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila [Purchase]
A celebrated work of mystical theology describing the different stage in spiritual development. A treasury of unforgettable maxims.
The Way of Perfection by St. Teresa of Avila [Purchase]
A guide to achieving a deeper spirituality, written for nuns yet helpful for laity as well.
The Rule of St. Benedict [Purchase]
A straightforward and sensible guide to the spiritual life that is still relevant after more than a millenium.
The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi by Brother Ugolino [Purchase]
A collection of stories about St. Francis and the Franciscan Order. Learn not just the legends but the spiritual side of this great saint who yearned for holiness.
The Cloud of Unknowing (Anonymous) [Purchase]
This book of Christian mysticism contains practical advice on seeking union with God not only through knowledge, but through love.

Other online Books, Talks and Articles on Spirituality from Catholic-Pages.com
Includes links to some other greats like the Spiritual Life by Adolphe Tanquerey [Purchase] and Three Ways of the Spiritual Life by Fr Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange [Purchase].

Books for Sale

Deep Conversion / Deep Prayer by Fr. Thomas Dubay
An excellent introduction to the spiritual life, with practical steps for overcoming mediocrity.
Happy Are You Poor: The Simple Life and Spiritual Freedom by Fr. Thomas Dubay
A challenging look at the virtue of poverty and its demands on every state in life (married, single, celibate).
Prayer Primer: Igniting a Fire Within by Fr. Thomas Dubay
Simple yet profound fuide for growing in prayer.
The Journey Toward God: In the Footsteps of the Great Spiritual Writers - Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox by Fr. Benedict Groeschel CFR and Kevin Perrotta
Selections from masters of the spiritual life teach one how to open to God in prayer, respond and grow in a deeper untion with Him.
Fire Within: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and the Gospel-On Prayer by Fr. Thomas Dubay
A deep synthesis on prayer and the spiritual life, based on the writings of the Church's two greatest mystical doctors.
Walk Humbly With Your God: Simple Steps to a Virtuous Life by Fr. Andrew Apostoli, O.F.M.
Gives spiritual insights into Jesus' teaching to pray constantly and follow in the way of the cross.
The Untapped Power of the Sacrament of Penance: A Priest's View by Fr. Christopher J. Walsh
Experience reconciliation as a powerful tool of God's healing love, both interesting and practical.
The Virtue Driven Life by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R.
Rediscover the 3 theological and 4 cardinal virtues, what they mean for modern man and how they apply in real (a whole and holy) life.
Hungry for God: Practical Help in Personal Prayer by Ralph Martin
Tools for entering into a more fruitful relationship with God through the gift of prayer.
The Fulfillment of All Desire by Ralph Martin
A study of the spiritual life in the great Catholic tradition, based on the greatest writers, a source of powerful inspiration for the spiritual journey to God.