Francis de Sales’s Introduction to the Devout Life has remained a uniquely accessible and relevant treasure of devotion for nearly four hundred years. As Bishop of Geneva in the first quarter of the seventeenth century, Francis de Sales saw to the spiritual needs of everyone from the poorest peasants to court ladies. The desire to be closer to God that he found in people from all levels of society led him to compile these instructions on how to live in Christ. Francis’s compassionate Introduction leads the reader through practical ways of attaining a devout life without renouncing the world and offers prayers and meditations to strengthen devotion in the face of temptation and hardship.

Introduction to the Devout Life (Image Classics)

Religion & Spirituality

De Sales, Francis

Ryan, John K.

Christian Books & Bibles

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Centuries ago, Francis de Sales–bishop of Geneva during the lifetime of many first generation Protestant Calvinists–wrote about the importance of having a spiritual director. Yet he later told his biographer such a person “would be difficult to find,” suggesting that in these circumstances, “We can look for guidance among the books of authors who are no longer living. Devotional books are our best Directors.” Today, de Sales serves as such a spiritual director to countless modern day believers, and his Introduction to the Devout Life is recognized as one of the truly great works of devotional literature. Originally written as a series of letters of religious guidance, this enduring book is filled with thoughtful spiritual illustrations and radiates with a warm humanity that touches people of all religious backgrounds. A classic masterpiece of spiritual writing, de Sales’ book is acknowledged to be among the top handful of guides to Christian living. No matter where readers are in their spiritual development–whether they are beginners or skilled theologians–this modern interpretation, an “honest paraphrase” of de Sales’ work,will gently guide them down the clearest path imaginable into a deeper and more authentic religious life.

Authentic Devotion: A Modern Interpretation of Introduction to the Devout Life by Francis de Sales

Shaw Books

Heavenly Love comes as a wound that is a gift of God.
Francis de Sales’s spiritual masterpiece, Treatise on the Love of God, was originally published in 1616 while he was Bishop of Geneva. This contemporary English edition preserves St. Francis’s gentle prose, his enthusiasm for God, compassion, and good humor. For all spiritual pilgrims seeking comfort and guidance, this book offers the assurance that “a deep and satisfying prayer life is not only possible, but within the reach of anyone who will accept what God is forever offering.”

Treatise on the Love of God (Paraclete Essentials)

Paraclete Press

Set Your Heart Free by Francis de Sales offers readers the same spiritual wisdom, encouragement, and spellbinding insights that once drew people from all over Europe to this saint's door. Drawn from Francis's immensely popular writings, this prayer resource for individuals or groups emboldens readers to encounter God and pray in their own unique way. A written invitation to a spiritual journey with a kind and gentle mystic, it is part of the popular and beautifully redesigned spirituality series, 30 Days with a Great Spiritual Teacher.

Set Your Heart Free: 30 Days with Francis de Sales (Great Spiritual Teachers)

Ave Maria Press

De Sales’ classic has been described as “a masterpiece of psychology, practical morality, and common sense” and, after The Bible and The Imitation of Christ, is the widest read spiritual book of all time. Unlike many others, Devout Life was written specifically for lay persons and it demonstrates a rare sensitivity to the demands of life in a world that is often antagonistic to spirituality. In this first-of-its-kind edition, Fr. John-Julian offers a fresh translation, a most thorough historical introduction, and notes explaining points of language and theology along the way.

The Complete Introduction to The Devout Life (Paraclete Giants)

Regimen Books Christian Classics publishes books of superior quality, with particular attention to textual editing and book design. Francis de Sales believed that all Christians are called to a life of obedience and holiness. “It is an error — no, more, a very heresy,” he wrote in Introduction to the Devout Life, “to seek to banish the devout life from the soldier’s guardroom, the mechanic’s workshop, the prince’s court, or the domestic hearth.” Every believer can and should seek holiness. Thus, Introduction to the Devout Life was written not for the clergy, but rather for ordinary lay men and women who were involved deeply in everyday life. The book is broken into small chapters that are easily digestible. One will find meditations and advice on prayer, purity, marriage, temptation, and other spiritual issues — all of which are written in a clear and straightforward style. Published in 1608, the book remains pertinent today as a practical guide to deepen our Christian faith and become more devout. It is difficult to imagine any reader coming away without a stronger desire to be more spiritual in their daily lives. Introduction to the Devout Life is highly recommended reading for anyone seeking holiness and sanctification or a closer daily walk with our Lord.

Introduction to the Devout Life

Vision+ Press

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