The underlying assumption of spiritual direction and formation is that God acts in every area of our lives—at home, work, play, and worship. God is there in our doubt as well as our certainty, in our brokenness as well as our wholeness. To receive the gift of this ministry, we trust God’s presence and the transforming power of His love.
These resources are provided for your benefit as you seek to grow closer to your Good Shepherd. Please feel free to share them with anyone in your life.
Daily use:
The Bible ESV, NIV, NLT. NASB, the Message…any version or translation paraphrase you prefer is God’s holy word…read it daily! And if you can’t decide, start with this online version.
The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle — Daily Office that varies daily and with seasons of the church year.
Lectio Divina Journal by Greg Russinger and Lisa Kelly (reflect daily on God’s Word using the lectionary readings for the year: Monday–Old Testament, Tuesday–Epistle, Wednesday–Psalm, Thursday–Gospel, Friday–Proverbs, Saturday–weekly examen, Sunday–space to take notes/journal) My other staple.
God Calling (authors anonymous, edited by A.J. Russell and others) a classic devotional that is timeless and continues to speak words of wisdom and strength to souls today
Reimagining the Ignatian Examen: Fresh Ways to Pray from your Day by Mark Thibodeaux, SJ — The 500-year-old daily practice of honest self-assessment and reflection…will lead you through a fresh reflection on your past day, your present state of being, and your spiritual desires and needs for tomorrow.
Life Formation:
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun — A MUST-HAVE!
Crafting a Rule of Life by Stephen A. Macchia — LIFE-CHANGING!
Helpful tools:
Daily Examen Prayer Guide (by David Wu)
State of Soul Worksheet (by David Wu)
Listening Prayer Touchpoint (by Steve Macchia)
Retreat Guides for Individual or Group Retreats
Spiritual Life Inventory (by Janet Hagberg) printed-$5.95, online-$4.90
Lectio Divina Guides
A variety of books/articles on Spiritual Formation:
Your Personality and the Spiritual Life
Books from Leadership Transformations, Inc.
Books from Renovare
Apprentice Series by James Bryan Smith
Spiritual Formation: Leadership Transformations, Inc.
Soul Care Retreats with Leadership Transformations, Inc.
Offered multiple times throughout the year. Contact David Wu for dates and details of upcoming retreats and/or workshops. david@leadershiptransformations.org
Centers for personal retreats:
Ruah Center (Houston)
The Cenacle (Houston)
Laity Lodge (Leaky, TX on the Frio River)
Note: Catholic retreat centers tend to be some of the only ones that offer true silence and solitude for those seeking it. There are some Protestant options sprinkled throughout the country. If you find one you like, please let us know and we will add them to this page!
