Ash Wednesday is only a week away, and here at the Forward we’re preparing for Lent by slowing down, cutting back on screen time, and committing to prayer, introspection – and a LOT of reading!
We recently polled people from around the diocese for suggestions on texts that would be useful guides on our Lenten journey, which 
you’ll find collected below. It’s an eclectic mix of authors, books, poetry, meditations, and some guided Bible exploration. We hope that you will find something here that speaks to your soul and provides some spiritual food for thought.
Have a blessed Lent, and happy reading!
Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis
In this book Lewis talks about his coming to faith in part through the experience of “Joy” which is distinct from mere pleasure or happiness and is in fact an apprehending of the presence of God. My favorite quote from the book is “a young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading.” I think a corollary is also true, “a Christian who wishes to remain in charity with his/her neighbors cannot be too careful of his/her reading, either.” – The Rev. Stacey Fussell
Final Words from the Cross by Adam Hamilton
The author leads a study and discussion on the traditional last statements of Jesus. He shares several stories, historical information and questions for discussion, as well as guided prayer for 6 sessions. A DVD, leader’s guide and book are included – giving the leader adequate and formational support. It is a good study and intentional focus on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection for Lent. – The Rev. Erin Betz Shank
Beginning to Pray by Anthony Bloom
One of the books that has most deeply influenced my life as a Christian is Beginning to Pray by Orthodox Metropolitan Anthony Bloom. Bloom invites his readers to journey along the road of prayer with him, understanding all of us (including himself) as beginners to prayer. Bloom addresses a large variety of issues related to prayer in a short approachable book including: a feeling of the absence of God, orienting ourselves towards fullness of life, managing our times of prayer, and the power of being in relationship with the living God. May this book impact your prayer life as deeply as it has mine. – Craig Dressler
The Shape of Living by David F. Ford
In this book David Ford explores, from the Christian perspective, the challenge of living a Christian life in the world of the overwhelmed. He theorizes that we are ALL overwhelmed and suggests ways to explore living in this new reality. – The Rev. Canon Al Johnson
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown
In a season that tells us to “remember that you are dust,” it’s good to be reminded that while we are imperfect, we still have value, and God and others love us despite our imperfect natures. This early book by professor Brené Brown not only discusses imperfection, but provides ten focus guideposts to assist us toward embracing more wholehearted living – cultivating calm and stillness, gratitude, authenticity, and more. – Megin Sewak
Pauses for Lent by Trevor Hudson
[Trevor] offers a daily Scripture, prayer and questions for the day for reflection and prayer. Lent is about repentance, and so even though I have not used this resource, I think it may be a good option to help us ask the tough questions for how we must change our broken ways into God’s image and intentions. – The Rev. Erin Betz Shank
Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving and Finding the Church by Rachel Held Evans
– Recommended by The Rev. Elizabeth Yale
When the Heart Waits by Sue Monk Kidd
This is an excellent read for anyone searching to determine what the next step is in their spiritual life. She especially believes that patience poses an essential posture in seeking a deeper relationship with God. – The Rev. Canon Al Johnson
Between Two Souls: Conversations with Ryokan by Mary Lou Kownacki
This book of spiritual poetry is a conversation between a 19th century Buddhist monk and a 20th century Roman Catholic Benedictine from Erie. Thought-provoking, inspiring, and occasionally funny, these poems dig deeply into an all-embracing compassion that spans centuries, traditions, and human hearts. – The Rev. Adam Trambley
Falling Upward by Richard Rohr
Carl Jung wrote that ‘one cannot live the afternoon of life according the program of life’s morning,’ which is the topic of Falling Upward. Rohr invites his reader into a journey that only the second-half of life can bring, when God calls us to go more deeply into ourselves and unlearn much of what we have constructed about our world. For those willing to take that risk, an incredible journey of falling up into God awaits. Whatever your age, Rohr provides space for you in this short, but thoughtful book. – The Rev. Melinda Hall
The Spirituality of Imperfection by Kurtz and Ketcham
This book explores the spiritual life from several perspectives besides Christianity. Filled with moving stories, testimonies, and insights, the authors invite us to open our hearts and mind to that which lives beyond us in the world of the Spirit. – The Rev. Canon Al Johnson
God’s Abiding Love: Daily Lenten Meditations and Prayers by Henri Nouwen
I have a booklet that I’ve used for the past couple of years that I read every night during Lent before I go to sleep – it begins with a passage from the Bible, followed by a small dissertation and ends with a one-sentence prayer. It gives me a sense of calm and peace, if even for a few minutes, during a season that isn’t for me anyway and of trying to do something during Lent. – Anne Bardol
Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith by Henri Nouwen
Henri Nouwen’s Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith makes an excellent Lenten companion. This slim book is filled with Nouwen’s insights, and his stories lead the reader to consider her/his own self and faith journey. Each chapter concludes with prayer and journaling suggestions, offering a guided way to spend time in silence and reflection. – The Rev. Melinda Hall
The Three Marriages by David Whyte
This is a wonderful book that explores the three vocations of everyone’s life: the call to work, the call to self, and the call to relationships. The premise: “We are collectively exhausted because of our inability to hold competing parts of ourselves together in a more integrated way.” – The Rev. Canon Al Johnson
Teaching Faith with Harry Potter: A Guidebook for Parents and Educators for Multigenerational Faith Formation by Patricia M. Lyons
With over 400 millions copies sold worldwide, translated into 68 languages, a movie franchise worth more than $25 billion, and a universe expansion with the release of the Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them movies, Harry Potter is a language that A LOT of people speak. Through the Harry Potter story and characters, J.K. Rowling’s story, and some personal reflection, Patricia Lyons brings out the messages of faith that permeate this cultural phenomenon. It is a great read for HP fans and those who might be curious about its ties to faith. – Missy Greene
A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver
Just because Lent arrives, doesn’t mean life slows. For the busier soul, perhaps a daily dose of Mary Oliver’s poetry, particularly my favorite of her collections, A Thousand Mornings, would be an excellent addition to one’s day. Oliver’s poems are centered in nature but take the reader to beautiful, soul-filled places. Although not explicitly religious, I never read Oliver without encountering the sacred. – The Rev. Melinda Hall
The Good Book Club – Forward Movement
For those who would like to spend more time with the Bible, Forward Movement is now offering the Good Book Club – a free guided reading of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, with additional suggested readings and a downloadable discussion guide for groups. Learn more about the Good Book Club and sign up for updates here.
Do you have reading suggestions that didn’t make it on the list? Feel free to share in the comments section below!
9:00am Friday, March 22 – 9:00am Saturday, March 23 at St. John’s, Sharon
duration, and can last from midnight to midnight. John Wesley, and others, recommended fasts beginning at sundown, which was the beginning of the Hebrew day, and going until the next day at 3:00pm. Generally fasting from after dinner one day until dinner the next day makes for an effective 24-hour fast that is a bit less taxing than going all day without food and then going to bed hungry. Once people are accustomed to a day-long fast, the Holy Spirit could lead them to a longer fast.
The Forward 