and theologian, is one of the most popular and influential spiritual writers today. Through such bestselling books as The Holy Longing and Sacred Fire, as well as his syndicated column, "In Exile," he has shown an ability to outline a healthy Christian spirituality that relates to the deep desires, anxieties, and hopes of ordinary people living in the world. This collection of his essential writings, which draws in large part on his columns, first outlines the "holy longing" that underlies all spirituality. He then outlines the elements of a "generative," or fruitful spiritual life, including prayer, suffering and death, love and justice, faith and doubt.