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Life Changing Books

                Books can change a life when the Holy Spirit breathes through the printed word with revelation of its truths. This list of books reflects the resources from which I experienced revelation poignant to my Christian walk. I’ve undoubtedly overlooked some, and more remain unread. I will update as other books come to mind. Please share books that have changed your life and I will include them as well.

Mary Kirkpatrick’s Favorite Book List

Divine Romance by Gene Edwards

                Ah, The Divine Romance! It’s a deeply poetic and imaginative work where Gene Edwards masterfully captures the grand narrative of God’s love for humanity. The book transports readers into an eternal perspective, beginning even before creation. Edwards invites readers to see the story of God’s longing for fellowship and His ultimate pursuit of humanity, culminating in Christ’s love and sacrifice.

 

Footprints of a Pilgrim by Ruth Bell Graham

                The Footprints of a Pilgrim is a heartfelt and deeply personal collection of poetry, essays, and reflections that offers a glimpse into her journey of faith, love, and life. Ruth’s unique voice shines through as she shares her struggles, joys, and devotion to God, family, and ministry.

 

Good Morning Holy Spirit by Benny Hinn

                Good Morning, Holy Spirit is a powerful and personal testimony of his journey into a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. The book emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding, empowering, and comforting believers, while also explaining how to cultivate a close connection with Him. Through this book I started talking directly with the Holy Spirit when I was in my twenties. I have never lost this awe filled relationship.

 

Holiness Truth and the Presence of God by Francis Frangipane

                Holiness, Truth, and the Presence of God is a profound exploration of the call to pursue holiness and intimacy with God. In this book, Frangipane emphasizes that true holiness isn't about legalism or striving in our own strength but about allowing the presence of God to transform us from the inside out. He intertwines themes of humility, repentance, and truth, showing how they open the door to deeper communion with God.

 

In Christ Image Training Levels 1 and 2 by Francis Frangipane

                Ah, that's a powerful resource! In Christ’s Image Training (ICIT) Levels 1 and 2 are all about cultivating Christlike character through humility, prayer, and transformation. It emphasizes the importance of seeking intimacy with God, being conformed to His image, and living a life of grace and spiritual authority.

 

God So Close by Becky Thompson

                God So Close is a heartfelt and relatable guide to understanding and experiencing the Holy Spirit in a personal and practical way. Thompson’s approachable writing style invites readers into a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence in everyday life, removing the fear or mystery that often surrounds this topic. For me, Becky’s narrative was like a marriage retreat with the Holy Spirit.

 

I Am a Son by Don Nori Sr.

                I Am a Son is a profound exploration of identity and intimacy with God, focusing on what it truly means to live as a child of God. The book calls readers to step beyond mere religion and into a deep, personal relationship with the Father, where they embrace their identity as sons and daughters in His kingdom.

 

Intimacy with the Almighty by Charles Swindoll

                Intimacy with the Almighty is a concise yet deeply impactful book that invites readers to cultivate a closer relationship with God. Swindoll shares practical insights and heartfelt reflections on how to overcome distractions, simplify life, and make space for genuine intimacy with the Creator.

 

Jesus Always by Sarah Young

                Jesus Always is a devotional centered on finding joy in God’s presence, even in the midst of life’s challenges. Written as though Jesus Himself is speaking directly to the reader, the book offers daily encouragement, hope, and reminders of His unfailing love.

 

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

                Jesus Calling is a beloved 365-day devotional that invites readers into daily moments of peace, hope, and encouragement with God. Written in a first-person perspective as if Jesus is speaking directly to the reader, the devotional draws inspiration from Sarah Young's personal prayer journals and her deep connection with Scripture. Each entry is designed to help readers experience God’s presence and find comfort, guidance, and strength in their everyday lives.

 

Limitless Love by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland

                Limitless Love by is a daily devotional that focuses on living a life grounded in God’s unconditional love. Through 365 inspiring entries, the Copelands unpack the transformative power of God’s love and how it can impact every area of life—from relationships to faith and beyond.

 

My Other Self by Clarence J. Enzler

                My Other Self is a deeply spiritual book written in the form of a dialogue between Christ and the reader. Modeled after Thomas à Kempis’s The Imitation of Christ, the book invites readers to a personal and intimate conversation with Jesus as He calls them to deeper discipleship. I found this treasure on my mother's bookshelf, so it is a double blessing to me.

 

Prayers That Avail Much by Germaine Copeland

                Prayers That Avail Much is a timeless collection of powerful, scripture-based prayers designed to equip believers to pray effectively for every area of life. Drawing directly from the Word of God, the prayers are structured to align with His promises, helping readers grow in faith and confidence as they intercede for themselves, their loved ones, and the world.

 

Secret of the Most Holy Place by Don Nori

                Secret of the Most Holy Place is a profound and deeply spiritual book that invites readers to journey into the intimate presence of God. Nori explores the mystery and beauty of living in the "most holy place," the sacred space of communion and oneness with the Father. He emphasizes that this is not a physical location but a way of life marked by surrender, humility, and abiding in God’s love.

 

The Ascent of the Mountain of God by Edward Hays

                The Ascent of the Mountain of God is a reflective and engaging guide to the spiritual journey of Lent. Presented as a "travel journal," the book invites readers to embark on a 40-day pilgrimage toward greater intimacy with God. Hays weaves scripture, prayer, and creative reflections to inspire self-discovery and transformation, encouraging readers to move beyond routine observances of Lent into a deeper encounter with God’s presence.

 

The Attributes of God (1&2) A.W. Tozer

                The Attributes of God, Volumes 1 & 2 are both a profound exploration of the nature and character of God. In these two volumes, Tozer delves into the attributes that define God’s essence, such as His omnipotence, omniscience, holiness, goodness, and love, among others. Each attribute is discussed with deep reverence and clarity, calling readers to a higher view of God and a deeper relationship with Him. Tozer’s writing is both theological and devotional, challenging readers to not just understand these truths intellectually but to let them transform their worship and daily lives.

 

The Blessing of the Lord by Kenneth Copeland

                The Blessing of the Lord is a powerful exploration of God’s desire to bless His people and how believers can walk in that blessing every day. Rooted in scripture, the book unpacks the biblical concept of “The Blessing”—God’s covenant promise to provide, protect, and prosper His children—and how it has been made available to all through Christ.

 

The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick

                The Love Dare is a 40-day journey designed to strengthen and transform marriages by challenging couples to practice unconditional love. Rooted in biblical principles, the book provides daily readings, practical actions, and reflective prompts that help readers demonstrate Christlike love to their spouse, even in difficult circumstances. Originally featured in the movie Fireproof, the book has become a trusted resource for rekindling love, improving communication, and building lasting relationships. I have this devotional improves all my relationships.

 

The Mitford Series by Jan Karon

                The Mitford Series is a heartwarming collection of novels set in the charming small town of Mitford, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The series follows the life of Father Tim Kavanagh, a gentle and endearing Episcopal priest, as he navigates the joys, challenges, and quirks of small-town life while serving his community with faith and kindness. With its rich cast of memorable characters, Karon teaches the gifts of wholesome humor, while explaining the themes of love, faith, and friendship. This series captures the beauty of everyday moments and the transformative power of grace.

 

The Prisoner in the Third Cell by Gene Edwards

                The Prisoner in the Third Cell is a poignant and thought-provoking book that delves into the story of John the Baptist, focusing on his imprisonment and the struggles he faced with doubt and unanswered prayers. Edwards masterfully examines what it means to trust God when His ways seem mysterious or when life takes unexpected and painful turns. Through John's story, the book explores deep questions about God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and the purpose of suffering.

 

The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane

                The Three Battlegrounds is a powerful and insightful book that examines the spiritual battles every believer faces. Frangipane identifies three key areas of spiritual warfare: the mind, the church, and the heavenly places. He offers biblical wisdom and practical strategies to help believers overcome deception, maintain unity in the body of Christ, and stand firm against the enemy's schemes.

 

Who Told You That You Were Naked by John Jacob Raub

                Who Told You That You Were Naked? is a deeply reflective and spiritually provocative book that explores the concept of shame and its impact on human life. Drawing from the question God asked Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Raub delves into the origins of shame, guilt, and fear, and how they distance people from God and one another. The book emphasizes the healing power of God’s unconditional love and how embracing His grace can free believers from the burdens of self-judgment and condemnation.

Worship Songs for God’s Master Plan for Today—A Shield About Me by Steffany Gretzinger

This is a work in progress, which progress may never end as more songs are shared by the body of Christ.

               

God is present in our worship. I’m sure of it! While I worship, I receive the answers to my questions, guidance, and inspiration. During worship, the Holy Spirit gives me specific information for each section of the book, God’s Master Plan for Today, inspiring the complete body of it. It’s in worship that love and adoration pour from my spirit to my soul, where I can experience the deep relationship we all have with God.

In this section, you will find worship songs that helped inspire each week of God’s Master Plan for Today. This is a work in progress. Each day’s worship songs will be available soon as well. Please share your own worship inspirations for each section as you read the devotional and I will include them here as well.

 

God’s Master Plan for Today—Goodness of God by Jenn Johnson

Week One: Jesus Goes to His Father—Spirit Break Out by Kim Walker-Smith

Week Two: Jesus and His Friends—Friend in Jesus by Cain

Week Three: Help from Heaven—Angels by Hillsong

Week Four: Overcoming the Fall—Reckless Love by Cory Asbury

Week Five: I Am—Great I Am by Craig & Dean

Week Six: The Cup of Christ—How He Loves by the David Crowder Band

Week Seven: The Spirit of Wisdom—Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong

Week Eight: Jesus is the Door—Praise The Name (Ancient Doors) by Thrive Worship

Week Nine: We Don’t Know Who We Are—Who I Am by Ben Fuller

Week Ten: Innocence—Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) by Chris Tomlin

Week Eleven: Jesus is Lord—The King is Here by Kim Walker

Week Twelve: Not a Magic Show—Break Every Chain by Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Week Thirteen: A New Backdrop— Agnus Dei by Michael W. Smith

Face Reflected in Water

GOD'S MASTER PLAN FOR TODAY
WORK BOOK AND JOURNAL

The Gift of a Relationship with Your Heavenly Father
The Gift of Obedience
The Gift of Mercy
The Gift of Witnesses
The Gift of Childhood
 

The Gift of Relationship with Our Heavenly Father

Workbook Week One, Day Two

 

Our relationship with our heavenly Father is a powerful gift to our broken hearts. We, like Jesus, can rest in His embrace, and tell our Father about our wrong thinking and feelings, and discuss the difficulties we face. Healed hearts can love like Jesus loves. 

 

✨ Devotional Recap

Briefly summarize today's message in your own words. What stood out most to you about Jesus' relationship with the Father?

 

Reflection:

Write 3–5 sentences summarizing today’s main point.

 

📖 Scripture Focus

  • Matthew 26:36–39

  • Hebrews 1:2–3

  • Romans 8:14–17

  • Matthew 22:37–39

  • Ephesians 1:3–11

 

Choose one verse that resonated with you most. Write it below and explain why:

 

Selected Verse & Reflection:

Scripture reference

 

Why it matters to you today:

 

🧠 Personal Reflection

  1. When you face fear, failure, or hardship, how easy is it for you to run into the Father’s arms like Jesus did?

  2. How does knowing God sees you as His child—fully loved and never shamed—impact your spiritual life?

  3. What does “unity of body, spirit, and soul” mean to you personally?

 

🙏 Prayer Prompt

 

Write a prayer to your Heavenly Father expressing vulnerability, asking for His help, and inviting His love to transform your heart.

Prayer:

Dear Father,...

 

JOURNAL

 

Your heavenly Father’s arms ache to hold you, his child. Nestle into his loving embrace. Tell him everything. All your failures, your heartaches, the things that you keep from Him because you are embarrassed, or because you don’t think He would approve. He loves you. He is always kind and gentle, never judging. Rest there and let Him heal your broken heart.

The gift of a relationship with our heavenly Father is a powerful gift from God. We can’t get this relationship for ourselves. We don’t deserve it, and we can’t earn it. Just ask God for a close relationship with Him.

​Write in your Journal the love your heavenly Father pours on you as you sit with Him.

The Gift of Obedience

Week One, Day Three

 

The gift of obedience is a powerful gift to us that sets us squarely in the depths of our heavenly Father’s heart. We are not only created by God—we are adopted by Him. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we’re welcomed home as sons and daughters. And not just infants in faith—we’re invited into maturity, to reflect the Father’s heart and grow into His likeness.

 

✨ Devotional Recap

 

Briefly summarize today's message in your own words. What stood out most to you about the two sons' relationship with the Father?

 

Reflection:

Write 3–5 sentences summarizing today’s main point.

 

📖 Scripture Focus

  • Luke 15:11–32

  • Hebrews 12:2

  • Luke 15:20, 24

  • Ephesians 2:8–9

 

Choose one verse or passage that moved you. Write it below and reflect on why it feels personal today:

 

Selected Verse & Reflection:

Scripture reference
Why it speaks to you:

 

🧠 Personal Reflection

  1. Which son in the parable do you relate to most right now—the obedient one or the prodigal? Why?

  2. How does Jesus’ obedience—especially unto death—shape your understanding of what it means to follow God?

  3. Can you think of a time when God “ran toward you” in compassion? What did that moment teach you?

 

Your Thoughts:

Take your time to answer these questions with honesty and prayer.

 

🙏 Prayer Prompt

 

Write a prayer that acknowledges your past (as a prodigal or as one who struggles with obedience), and express your desire to grow in maturity and love like Jesus, the Good Son.

 

Prayer:

Dear Father,...

 

JOURNAL

 

Turn towards your heavenly Father. Look He’s there! He’s been there the whole time. He is putting the cloak of His glory around your shoulders, covering your shame, or the blame you take on yourself. Let the healing sink in and take your place as His obedient son or daughter.

The gift of obedience is a powerful gift from God. We can’t get obedience by ourselves. We don’t deserve it, and we can’t earn it. His gift of obedience is freely given, just ask Him for help to obey.

​Write in your Journal the gift of obedience as your heavenly Father changes your heart.

The Gift of Mercy

Week One, Day Four

 

God’s gift of mercy is a powerful gift that comes with the full revelation of His mercy, His love and His acceptance. The good son and the prodigal were the apple of His eye; not after the prodigal returned, but always. You too are the apple of your Father’s eye; always have been.

 

✨ Devotional Recap

Briefly summarize today's message in your own words. How does this devotional deepen your understanding of God's mercy and justice?

 

Reflection:

Write 3–5 sentences summarizing today’s main point

 

📖 Scripture Focus

  • Isaiah 22:4–5

  • Isaiah 54:4–10

  • Psalm 85:10

  • Isaiah 53:4, 9–11

  • Ephesians 2:15

  • 1 John 4:7–8

  • John 19:30

Choose one verse that stood out to you and write it below with your thoughts:

 

Selected Verse & Reflection:

Scripture reference
Why it speaks to you:

 

🧠 Personal Reflection

  1. When have you struggled to accept mercy—for yourself or someone else?

  2. Can you remember a time when justice and mercy seemed in conflict in your own life?

  3. What does it mean to you personally that “mercy and truth met together, righteousness and peace kissed”?

 

Your Thoughts:

Be honest with God in your answers—He desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6).

 

🙏 Prayer Prompt

 

Write a prayer that expresses gratitude for Christ's atonement and ask God to soften your heart where judgment has taken root. Welcome His Spirit to make you a vessel of mercy in a hurting world.

 

Prayer:

Dear Father,...

 

JOURNAL

God wraps His cloak of love over your shoulder covering your weaknesses, your failures, and your shame. Let His covering heal the broken spots in your heart. Feel His love, His acceptance. Let Him give your revelation that you are the apple of His eye; always were.

The gift of mercy is a powerful gift from God. We can’t get His mercy for ourselves. We don’t deserve it, and we can’t earn it. Ask Him for this gift, He gives His mercy freely.

​Write in your Journal the gift of mercy your heavenly Father pours on you as you sit with Him.

The Gift of Witnesses

Week One, Day Five

 

The gift of witnesses is a powerful gift that builds a strong foundation under our feet. From a smile to a stranger, to the hands that minister in the darkest regions of Africa, there is an extreme reach in your destiny. Where is your heavenly Father drawing your heart to serve with Him? His Holy Spirit empowers us to ministry as the cloud of witnesses stands as a foundation building our faith.

 

✨ Devotional Recap

Briefly summarize today's message in your own words. How does this devotional deepen your understanding of God’s legacy, His cloud of witnesses?

Write 3–5 sentences summarizing today’s main point

 

📖 Scripture Focus

  • John 1:1–14

  • Romans 5:8

  • Genesis 12

  • Exodus (selected chapters)

  • Hebrews 11:32–39

  • Hebrews 12:1

  • John 14:6

  • Acts 3:25

Choose one passage and reflect on it below:

 

Selected Verse & Reflection:

Scripture reference
Why it speaks to you:

 

🧠 Personal Reflection

  1. Who is a witness—biblical or modern—whose example has shaped your faith?

  2. What sacrifice have you seen someone make that revealed the heart of the Father?

  3. Have you ever sensed God calling you to a specific act of love or courage?

 

Your Thoughts:

Take your time to write honestly. This is your space to grow.

 

🙏 Prayer Prompt

Write a prayer asking God to make you a faithful witness—someone through whom His love reaches others in real and lasting ways.

 

Prayer:

Father in Heaven,...

 

JOURNAL

 

The cloud of witnesses (that is all those who have lived before you, bringing the nations to their savior, and all those who continue that work until today), these are a rock under your feet. By Christ’s Holy Spirit in us, we are all one. Feel their strength, their devotion, their desire to build God’s family. Let the encouragement fill you, and stand on that to take your place in this powerful legacy.

The gift of witnesses is a powerful gift from God. It culminates His working throughout time, and plants it as a foundation to our lives.

 

​Write in your Journal the rock your heavenly Father builds under your feet you as you sit with Him.

The Gift of Childhood

Week One, Day Six

 

The gift of childhood is a powerful gift that raises up children of the Almighty to take their place in His Kingdom. You are a child of God. Let the Holy Spirit transforms what  exists in the spiritual realm to reflect in you life in the natural world. You are a child of the Highest.

 

✨ Devotional Recap

 

Briefly summarize today's message in your own words. How does understanding your adoption as a child of God affect your identity and how you live?

Write 3–5 sentences summarizing today’s main point

 

📖 Scripture Focus

  • John 10:7–10

  • Romans 8:15, 23; 9:4

  • Galatians 4:1–6

  • Ephesians 1:5

  • 1 Corinthians 3:1–3

  • Luke 6:27–36

  • Matthew 5:1–12

  • Isaiah 55:1

Choose a verse that stands out and reflect below:

 

Selected Verse & Reflection:

Scripture reference
Why it speaks to me:

 

🧠 Personal Reflection

  1. In what ways do you still think or act like a spiritual “child”?

  2. Where have you seen signs of growing spiritual maturity in your life?

  3. How does knowing you're a son or daughter of God influence your confidence and your choices?

 

Your Thoughts:

Take your time to write honestly. This is your space to grow.

 

🙏 Prayer Prompt

 

Write a prayer of surrender, embracing your identity as a child of the Highest and asking the Holy Spirit to guide your growth into maturity.

 

Prayer:

Abba Father,...

 

JOURNAL

 

Dare to come to the Almighty God, the Creator and sustainer of all things, dare to come as His child. It is your rightful place. The plot to kill Jesus was Satan’s plan to steal God’s children. But that is not what happened. Killing Jesus did not destroy our heavenly Father’s love for us, but rather established more sons and daughters than the stars in the heavens. Come to the Almighty God and let Him minister the pride and joy He takes in you, His child.

The gift of childhood is a powerful gift from God. We can’t get this relationship for ourselves. We don’t deserve it, and we can’t earn it. His gift of childhood is freely given, just ask Him for the gift of a childhood.

​Write in your Journal the revelation of childhood your heavenly Father gives you as you sit with Him.

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