In the attached post, we discussed how we each could look back at this coronavirus season and see it mainly as a time we grew in Christ. We have a tremendous opportunity right now to pursue knowing and loving Christ with the time he’s given us.
In this post, I’ll recommend some books you could read during this coronavirus lockdown. Here are 10 book recommendations in four categories: 1) Larger books, 2) Medium-sized books, 2) Shorter books, and 4) Prayer books.
Larger Books (about 300 pages)
These books are a big longer, but worth your time. Perhaps you decide to read one longer, but really wonderful and deep, book this coronavirus season. If so, I’d recommend one of these three. All three drastically changed my life, and I hope by God’s grace they do for you as well. Also, you may notice all of them have “God” in the title, and that’s because they really do help you know and love our great God.
1. Desiring God by John Piper
2. Knowing God by J.I. Packer
3. The Pleasures of God by John Piper
Medium-Sized Books (about 200 pages)
These two were both published in the past three years. The first by Mark Jones is more about the attributes of God—he’s an excellent thinker. The second is more devotional on enjoying God.
1. God Is by Mark Jones
2. Enjoying God by Tim Chester
Shorter Books (less than 150 pages)
These are two shorter and easier-to-read books. DeYoung’s will stir you to want to live a life more pleasing to God. Piper’s will help you understand and love Jesus more.
1. The Hole in Our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung
2. Seeing & Savoring Jesus Christ by John Piper
Prayer Books
These are three different types of prayer books. The first, by Tim Keller, is a book about prayer (with many tips on how to do it). The second by Donald Whitney is a specific method of praying, namely, reading the Bible and praying it back; it’s very helpful. The third, The Valley of Vision, is a book of beautiful prayers you can pray over and make your own.
1. Prayer by Tim Keller
2. Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney
3. The Valley of Vision
Make the best use of your time and be intentional. Good books have always been a large means of grace for us Christians. But especially now, being in lockdown for as long as God sees fit, what better time to get to know and love our God more through reading?
