The Insurmountable Darkness of Love: Mysticism, loss, and the common life by Douglas E. Christie (OUP, £22.99 (£20.69); 978-0-19-088516-8).

“The primary aim of this book is to reconsider the meaning of darkness within mystical and contemplative thought and practice, especially as the ground and source of love. The book examines how a sustained, critical attention to apophatic spiritual traditions can help us respond to the gaps, silences, and empty places that have become such a prominent feature of contemporary experience. “

Practice of the Presence: Nicholas Herman, Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection: A revolutionary translation by Carmen Acevedo Butcher (Broadleaf Books, £16.99 (£15.29); 978-1-5064-7860-9).

“Since it was first published in its pocket-size 1692 edition, Brother Lawrence’s spiritual classic has remained in print, beloved by people of varying spiritual paths and religious traditions. With this new translation, Carmen Acevedo Butcher frees it from its centuries-long prison of dogmatic, binary language and brings fresh, inclusive treatment that readers are sure to find transformational.”

The BRF Book of 100 Prayers: Resourcing Your spiritual journey by Martin Payne (BRF, £12.99 (£11.69); 978-1-80039-147-5).

“This special illustrated anniversary collection is a celebration of prayer for BRF’s centenary year. It can be used in a range of different settings, from individual devotions to corporate worship. Including sections on prayers of preparation, seasonal prayers, and themed prayers for special times and hard times, it is the perfect daily companion to resource your spiritual journey.”

Selected by Frank Nugent, of the Church House Bookshop, which operates the Church Times Bookshop.