David G. Benner is an internationally recognized depth psychologist, author, and spiritual guide dedicated to personal transformation. His work focuses on the intersection of psychology and spirituality, exploring the deeper layers of the human psyche and offering pathways to spiritual growth. Benner's approach emphasizes the integration of psychological understanding with spiritual principles to help readers achieve a fuller, more meaningful life. His writings are valued for their depth and practical guidance on the journey of self-discovery.
Wisdom is portrayed as a profound transformation of consciousness, transcending mere knowledge or understanding. It involves perceiving life through an awakened heart, akin to the concept of enlightenment in Buddhism and the mind and heart of Christ in Christianity. The book explores how this new mindset forms the foundation of true wisdom, emphasizing a spiritual awakening rather than the simple accumulation of information.
Emotional pain can lead to healing and personal growth, transforming into a foundation for greater wholeness and wellbeing. Drawing from both personal experiences and professional insights, the author shares lessons learned on the journey to healing and forgiveness. This exploration offers readers a path to understand and navigate their own emotional wounds, emphasizing the potential for recovery and deeper self-awareness.
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.
The most vital and significant moments in life are moments of encounter. Whether we encounter ourselves, others, or God, these moments let us know that life is meaningful. And presence is what makes encounter possible. When we are truly present, everything that has being becomes potentially present to us. In this unique resource, David Benner invites us to live with more presence so we can know the presence of God more deeply in our lives. Drawing on over thirty-five years of experience integrating psychology and spirituality, Benner examines the transformational possibilities of spiritual presence and encounter in fresh, exciting, and practical ways. He helps readers understand the personal and interpersonal dimensions of presence and encounter, revealing how they mediate Divine Presence and serve as sacraments of everyday life. His rich meditations are presented in a voice that is intelligent, compassionate, and engaging. The book includes end-of-chapter reflection exercises for individual or group use and a foreword by Richard Rohr.
Prayer is not merely something we do; prayer is what God does in us. Using the four movements of lectio divina, spiritual director David Benner invites us to discover openness to God as the essence of prayer, spirituality, and the Christian life. This expanded edition explores prayer as attending, pondering, responding, and being, opening us to a world of possibilities for communion with God.
An internationally respected psychologist and spiritual guide explores the transformation of self as foundational to spirituality.
An internationally respected psychologist and spiritual guide shows how an authentic spiritual journey must be grounded in human development.
Spiritual director David Benner invites us to discover openness to God as the essence of prayer, spirituality and the Christian life. Using the four movements of lectio divina, Benner explores prayer as attending, pondering, responding and being. Along the way he opens us to a world of possibilities for communion with God: praying with our senses, with imagination, with music and creativity, in contemplation, in service and much more.
Benner asks and answers the question, "How might we discipline our wills so that we become both willing and able to do what God asks of us?"
ECPA Gold Medallion Finalist We need companions on our spiritual journey. The modern world has taught us to value autonomy and individualism. Our churches often see spirituality as personal and private. But we cannot go long in our Christian pilgrimage before realizing that isolation leads to spiritual barrenness. We soon discover that our souls long for accompaniment, intimacy and spiritual friendship. As a result, many Christians today are rediscovering the ancient practice of spiritual direction. 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. Spiritual direction moves beyond mere moral lifestyle accountability and goes deeper than popular notions of mentoring or discipling. Through prayerful, guided attunement to God's activity, sacred companions provide care for the soul. If we are to experience significant spiritual formation and growth, our souls must be nurtured through spiritual companions. Benner, well-accustomed to God's work through relationships, models the kind of traveling companion who can move us toward deeper intimacy with God.