David G. Benner

La oración no es tan solo comunicarse con Dios, sino que es comunión con Dios. Al abrirnos a Él, Dios realiza la obra espiritual que nos transforma. David Benner nos invita a descubrir la apertura a

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Embark on the Spiritual Journey of Knowing Your True Self "Grant, Lord, that I may know myself that I may know thee." Augustine Much is said in Christian circles about knowing God. But what if thereis also value in knowing yourself? Christians throughout the ages have agreed that there cannot be deep knowledge of God without deep knowledge of the self. Discerning your true self is inextricably related to discerning Gods purposes foryou. Paradoxically, the more you become like Christ, the more you become authentically yourself. In this exploration of Christian identity, psychologist and spiritual director David G. Benner illuminates the spirituality of self-discovery. Heexposes the false selves that you may hide behind and calls you to discover the true self that emerges from your uniqueness in Christ. Freeing you from illusions about yourself, Benner shows that self-understanding leads to the fulfillment of your God-given destiny and vocation. Through The Gift of Being Yourself, you can: Identify and let go of the false selves that hold you back. Discover your true self rooted in your identity in Christ. UnderstandGods purpose for your life through deeper self-awareness. Embrace authenticity without needing to compare or strive to be someone youre not. This expanded edition, one of three books in The Spiritual Journey trilogy, includesa new epilogue and an experiential guide with questions for individual reflection or group discussion. You dont need to try to be someone you are not. Instead, as you uncover your true self, youll deepen your experience of God through discovering the gift of being yourself. "In contrast to other books filled with drive-through pop psychology and sound-bite spirituality, Benner, a psychologist and spiritual director, offers an impressively deep and challenging introduction to Christian self-discovery..." Publishers Weekly Starred Review, January 2004

Most Christians want to experience spiritual transformation. But many are frustrated by the limited progress of our spiritual self-improvement efforts. We find our praying burdened by a sense of obligation and failure.But prayer is not merely something we do; prayer is what God does in us. Prayer is not just communication with Godit is communion with God. As we open ourselves to him, God does the spiritual work of transformation in us.Spiritual director and psychologist David Benner invites us to discover openness to God as the essence of prayer, spirituality, and the Christian life. Prayer is far more than saying words to God; all of life can be prayer when offered to God in faith and with openness. Usingthe 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 musicand creativity, in contemplation, in service, and much more.Learn how prayer can be a way of living. Move beyond words to become not merely someone who prays, but someone whose entire life is prayer in union with God.This expanded edition includes a new afterword and an experiential guide with questions for individual reflection or group discussion.

A Personal Growth Finalist in the 2004 Word Guild Canadian Writing Awards"Only God deserves absolute surrender because only God can offer absolutely dependable love."In our self-reliant era, most of us recoil from the concept of surrendering to a power or authority outside ourselves. But surrender need not be seen as threatening, especially when the One to whom we surrender is the epitome of goodness and love. God doesnt want his people to respond to him out of fear or obligation. Rather, he invites us to enter into an authentic relationship of intimacy and devotion. And so God calls us to move beyond mere obedience--by surrendering to love.In this profound book, David Benner explores the twin themesof love and surrender as the heart of Christian spirituality. Through careful examination of Scripture and reflection on the Christian tradition, Benner shows how God bids us to trust fully in his perfect love.Writing with mature wisdom gleaned frommany years of integrating psychological and spiritual insight, Benner demonstrates keen perception and sensitivity to the realities of spirtitual formation. In each chapter he includes meditative exercises to guide you into a greater experience of trust and spiritual transformation. God is love, and he intends for you to live in his love. Surrender to Love will lead you to an unexpected place, where yieldedness to God frees you to become who he created you to be.

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 ofmentoring or discipling. Through prayerful, guided attunement to Gods 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 Gods work through relationships, models the kind of traveling companion who can move us toward deeper intimacy with God.

We overhear Jesus prayer in the garden of Gethsemane--"not my will, but thine be done"--but have trouble honestly making it our own. (from the Introduction)Most people think of Gods will as something to be found or as the receiving of guidance from God when making decisions. We assume that if we just knew what God wanted, wed do it. Too often, however, the problem is not that we dont know what God desires for our lives, but rather that we just dont want to do what we already know he wants. Sometimes, though, we try to live the Christian life out of sheer self-determination and grit, only to discover that our will is not sufficient to sustain us. How might our wills be changed so that we become both willing and able to do what God asks of us?In Desiring Gods Will psychologist and spiritual director David G. Benner explores the transformation of the will in Christian spirituality. He examines why our desires are disordered and how our human volition can be brought into alignment with Gods intentions so that we willingly choose that which God wants for us. In so doing, Benner shows us that cultivating discernment and being attuned to Gods desires is the path to true life, spiritual health and freedom.Godwants to change our choosing, not just our choices. By aligning our hearts with Gods, we will find liberation from the kingdom of self and instead experience the joy of the kingdom of God.

«Concédeme, Señor, conocer quién soy yo y quién eres Tú» (San Agustín) Mucho se habla en los círculos cristianos sobre el conocimiento de Dios. Pero no puede haber un conocimiento profundo de Dios si