Rachel Peter’s Top 3 Favourite Books
Rachel Peters has recently begun her ministry training, and we feel incredibly blessed to have her serving at Redcar House of Worship during this exciting new chapter.
Books can encourage us, challenge us and help us see God, ourselves and the world in new ways. To help us get to know Rachel a little better, she has shared three of her favourite reads. Her choices include two much-loved Christian classics and a timeless fantasy series enjoyed by readers of all ages.
1. The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer
The Pursuit of God is a Christian classic for anyone longing for a deeper and more personal relationship with God.
A. W. Tozer writes about the difference between simply knowing things about God and truly knowing Him. Throughout the book, he encourages readers to move beyond routine or second-hand faith and seek God with honesty, hunger and wholehearted devotion.
Each chapter explores an aspect of the Christian journey, including surrender, listening for God’s voice and removing the things that distract us from His presence. Although the book was first published many years ago, its message remains deeply relevant: God invites us to draw near to Him and experience His presence for ourselves.
It is a thoughtful and challenging book that reminds us that faith is not simply about following rules or gathering knowledge. At its heart, it is about a living relationship with God.
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
— James 4:8
2. The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
Brother Lawrence was a 17th-century Carmelite brother who became known for his deep peace and close relationship with God. The Practice of the Presence of God is a collection of his conversations, letters and spiritual teachings.
The heart of the book is beautifully simple: we can learn to recognise and enjoy God’s presence in every part of ordinary life.
Brother Lawrence discovered that he could meet with God not only during formal times of prayer, but also while completing everyday tasks. Whether he was praying quietly or working in a busy kitchen, he sought to do everything with love for God. His example reminds us that no moment is too ordinary to become an act of worship.
This short but powerful book encourages us to speak with God throughout the day and to welcome Him into our work, our relationships, our responsibilities and even our interruptions.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
— Colossians 3:23
3. The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
Rachel’s third choice is not just one book but a series of seven magical adventures.
The Chronicles of Narnia invites readers into a remarkable world filled with talking animals, courageous children, dangerous enemies and the great lion Aslan. Across the series, ordinary people find themselves drawn into extraordinary adventures in which they must make choices about courage, loyalty, truth and sacrifice.
These stories can be enjoyed simply as wonderful works of fantasy, but they also contain deeper Christian themes. Through imaginative storytelling, C. S. Lewis explores ideas such as creation, temptation, forgiveness, redemption, hope and the battle between good and evil.
Although often described as children’s books, the stories have continued to captivate readers of all ages. They are filled with memorable characters and moments that can awaken a fresh sense of wonder in those encountering Narnia for the first time, and in those returning to it once again.
Three Very Different Invitations
Although these books are quite different, each one offers an invitation.
The Pursuit of God invites us to seek God more deeply.
The Practice of the Presence of God invites us to notice Him in everyday life.
The Chronicles of Narnia invites us to rediscover truth through imagination, adventure and wonder.
We are thankful to Rachel for sharing these favourites with us, and we look forward to seeing how God will continue to guide, equip and use her as she undertakes her ministry training and serves the community at Redcar House of Worship.
A Prayer for Rachel
Loving God,
Thank You for the gift of books and stories that encourage us, challenge us and help us to see You more clearly.
Give us a deeper hunger for Your presence. Teach us to recognise You not only in church or during quiet moments of prayer, but also in the ordinary details of each day. Fill us with courage, wonder and hope as we follow wherever You lead.
We thank You especially for Rachel and for her willingness to respond to Your call. As she begins her ministry training, give her wisdom in her studies, strength for every challenge and joy in serving others. Surround her with people who will encourage and support her, and help her to grow in confidence while always remaining close to You.
Bless Rachel’s ministry at Redcar House of Worship. May her words, actions and example point people towards Jesus, and may she know Your presence with her in every step of the journey.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
