Christianity Today Award of Merit in Spiritual Formation

"Now, with God's help, I shall become myself."

These words from Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard resonate deeply with Marlena Graves, a Puerto Rican writer, professor, and activist. In these pages she describes the process of emptying herself that allows her to move upward toward God and become the true self that God calls her to. Drawing on the rich traditions of Eastern and Western Christian saints, she shares stories and insights that have enlivened her transformation. For Marlena, formation and justice always intertwine on the path to a balanced life of both action and contemplation.

If you long for more of God, this book offers a time-honored path to deeper life.



Marlena Graves is Assistant Professor of Spiritual Formation at Northeastern Seminary on the campus of Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, NY. She has written five books, two of which were award-winning, and over two hundred articles for outlets including Christianity Today, Relevant, Sojourners, The Christian Century, and more. She has held pastoral positions at several churches. She and her husband Shawn have three daughters.



1. Self-Emptying: The Mystery of Our Salvation

2. Down Low with Jesus

3. All Flame

4. Daily Returning Home

5. Do You See What I See?: Transfiguration

6. Our Teachers: Messengers of Grace

7. Rich Toward God

8. Memento Mori

9. Cradled in the Heart of God: Gratitude and Contentment

10. Incarnating the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Your Kingdom Come

Acknowledgments

Notes