The Gift of Being Yourself

Author: David G. Benner
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 0830899456
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 132

Book Description
In the expanded edition of this profound exploration of Christian identity, David G. Benner illuminates the spirituality of self-discovery. He exposes the false selves that you may hide behind and calls you to discover the true self that emerges from your uniqueness in Christ. Deepen your experience of God through discovering the gift of being yourself.

Surrender to Love

Author: David G. Benner
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 0830899448
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 130

Book Description
In this expanded edition of a spiritual formation classic, David G. Benner explores the twin themes of love and surrender as the heart of Christian spirituality. God doesn't want his people to respond to him out of fear or obligation, but invites us to enter into an authentic relationship of intimacy and devotion—by surrendering to love.

Opening to God

Author: David G. Benner
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 0830835423
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 182

Book Description
Spiritual director Benner invites believers to discover openness to God as the essence of prayer, spirituality, and the Christian life. Using the four movements of "lectio divina," he explores prayer as attending, pondering, responding, and being.

Soulful Spirituality

Author: David G. PhD Benner
Publisher: Brazos Press
ISBN: 1441214364
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 208

Book Description
Spirituality has an indispensable role to play in the expression of our humanity. However, spiritual practices can sometimes make us less, not more, authentically human. We may be good Christians, but we aren't good human beings. How can we ensure that our spiritual journey is conducted in a way that allows us to become fully alive and deeply human? David Benner has spent thirty-five years integrating psychology and spirituality. Here he presents an expansive, psychologically informed understanding of spirituality, probing the contrasts between soulful and soulless spirituality, deep and shallow religion, and healthy and unhealthy relationships with God to affirm the vital role of human development in the spiritual journey. Benner then suggests soulful practices for cultivating the Christian spiritual life. This book will appeal to readers seeking depth and substance in their quest for authentic spirituality. It will also be a helpful resource for mental health professionals and spiritual directors. Reflection questions and exercises for individual or group use are included at the end of each chapter.d

Spirituality and the Awakening Self

Author: David G. PhD Benner
Publisher: Baker Books
ISBN: 1441236236
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 257

Book Description
Being human is a lifelong journey of becoming. This journey defines our humanity, for it is a journey toward our source and our fulfillment, described in Christian theology as union with God. If we remain open to God as our sense of self awakens, we experience a deeper consciousness of being in him. The self that emerges during this process is larger, more enlightened, and whole. David Benner, who has spent thirty-five years integrating psychology and spirituality, presents psychological insights in a readable fashion to offer readers a deeper understanding of the self and its spiritual development. Drawing on a broad range of Christian traditions, Benner shows that the transformation of self is foundational to Christian spirituality. This book will appeal to readers interested in a psychologically grounded, fresh exploration of Christian spirituality; professionals engaged in pastoral care, counseling, and spiritual direction; and students in ministry development and spiritual formation courses. Questions and answers for individual or group use are included at the end of each chapter.

Desiring God's Will

Author: David G. Benner
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 0830846131
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 141

Book Description
How do we become both willing and able to do what God asks of us? In this expanded edition of a spiritual formation classic, psychologist and spiritual director David G. Benner explores the transformation of the will in Christian spirituality, examining why our desires are disordered and how we can align our hearts with God's.

Healing Emotional Wounds

Author: David G. Benner
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1532602561
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 139

Book Description
Though emotional pain constitutes an inevitable part of life, not only can it be healed, it can be the soil out of which we grow into greater wholeness and wellbeing. This book arose not simply out of the author's work with others but out of lessons learned as he worked his way to healing and forgiveness associated with his own emotional wounds as well. In helpful, practical language that is filled with real-life examples, Healing Emotional Wounds examines the inner course of events that predictably follows experiences of emotional wounding. This includes a discussion of the ways in which we attempt to cope with hurt, focusing on common but counterproductive coping strategies that actually impede healing. It then examines in detail the emotional, intellectual, and volitional tasks that are involved in healing emotional wounds, each presenting concrete steps that we can take to help ourselves and others experience healing and gain freedom from bondage to our wounds. Such freedom does not involve escape from unpleasant experiences or difficult circumstances, but release from their tyrannizing inner consequences. This also provides the possibility of living a more fulfilling and significant life because of these experiences.

Sacred Companions

Author: David G. Benner
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 9780830832705
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 244

Book Description
We need companions on our spiritual journey. In this inviting guide, David G. Benner introduces readers to the riches of spiritual friendship and direction, explaining what they are and how they are practiced. Through prayerful, guided attunement to God's activity, sacred companions provide care for the soul, and Benner models the kind of traveling companion who can move us toward deeper intimacy with God.

Journaling as a Spiritual Practice

Author: Helen Cepero
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 083089392X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 165

Book Description
Helen Harmelink Cepero looks at how we can use journal writing to enhance and support other disciplines such as discernment, self-understanding, attention to God, prayer and more.

The Human Condition

Author: Thomas Keating
Publisher: Paulist Press
ISBN: 1616433574
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 41

Book Description
These reflections on contemplative life were delivered at Harvard University in 1997 in a lecture series endowed by Harold M. Wit. (Inside front cover).