Through Lent, many of us will choose a book to read as we reflect on Jesus' life and ministry and prepare for Easter. We have provided a few recommendations below which may be of interest. Reading can be quite an individual pursuit, but if you often find you start a book but don't quite get around to finishing it, you might consider inviting a friend to read the same book as you this year - you can then schedule weekly conversations to share your thoughts and reflect on what you’ve read. Some of these books would also be suitable for reading and discussing as a small group.
Bishop Christopher recommends…
Living in Love and Faith
Issues of gender and sexuality are intrinsic to people's experience: their sense of identity, their lives and the loving relationships that shape and sustain them. Living in Love and Faith sets out to inspire people to think more deeply both about what it means to be human, and to live in love and faith with one another. It tackles the tough questions and the divisions among Christians about what it means to be holy in a society in which understandings and practices of gender, sexuality and marriage continue to change.
Themes: Gender, Sexuality, Identity, Relationships, Love, Faith
Style: A book to read, and/or a 5 session course for groups
For who: Individuals and Groups
Find out more: https://www.chpublishing.co.uk/features/living-in-love-and-faith
Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Book and #LiveLent 2021…
Living His Story by Hannah Steele
Revealing the extraordinary love of God in ordinary ways: The Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book 2021, Living His Story, is a devotional book that explores evangelism as a way of sharing God’s love with people.
Find out more: https://spckpublishing.co.uk/living-his-story
#LiveLent 2021: God’s Story, Our Story by Stephen Hance
The invitation of this year’s #LiveLent to all of us is to participate in God’s story. To make it so much part of our own stories that our own lives become impossible to understand without it. And then to be tellers of this story, and the change it has brought to us, to those who fear all they will ever have is their own drama. 40 daily devotionals
Find out more: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/livelent-2021-church-resources-gods-story-our-story
Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Books 2019 and 2020...
Reconciliation by Muthuraj Swamy
Global in scope, but homing in on the role ordinary people play in conflict and division, Reconciliation enables Christians to engage confidently in a ministry bequeathed to us by Christ himself. The book issues a vibrant call to the church to support and strengthen relationships amongst church members; to cross borders to build connections with different denominations, and to maintain open attitudes towards our neighbours from other religions and ideologies. Forty biblically-based meditations. Questions for reflection are included, making Reconciliation suitable for use at weekly gatherings or for everyday devotion during Lent
Find out more: https://spckpublishing.co.uk/reconciliation-766
Saying Yes To Life by Ruth Valerio
As people made in the image of God, we are entrusted to look after what God has made – to share in the joy and creativity of God in making a difference for good. Ruth Valerio imaginatively draws on the Days of Creation (Genesis 1 - 2.2) in relating themes of light, water, land, the seasons, other creatures, humankind, Sabbath rest and resurrection hope to matters of environmental, ethical and social concern. Foundational to the book are what it means to be human and, in particular, to be a follower of Jesus during Lent. Voices from other continents are heard throughout, and each chapter ends with discussion questions, a prayer, and specially commissioned art to aid action and contemplation.
Find out more: https://www.eden.co.uk/saying-yes-to-life/
Other book recommendations...
Walking the Way of the Cross by Stephen Cottrell, Paula Gooder and Philip North
Includes 3 different reflections and an illustration for each of the 15 Stations of the Cross.
https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/christian-devotional-books/easter-and-lent-books-for-adults/lent-books-for-groups/walking-the-way-of-the-cross/
For more resources on this theme, click here
The Longest Week by Nick Page
This book aims to reconstruct the events of those days from Jesus' entry to Jerusalem on the Sunday, to his resurrection a week later. It explores the claims and explodes the myths. It looks seriously at the evidence of the gospel accounts, without ducking the controversies and contradictions.
Four Gifts: Seeking Self-Care for Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength by April Yamasaki
What does self-care look like in light of following Jesus, who called his followers to deny themselves? Drawing on the ancient scriptural command to love God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength, Yamasaki helps readers think about the spiritual dimensions of attending to your own needs, setting priorities, and finding true rest in a fast-paced world. She weaves together personal stories, biblical and theological insights, questions for reflection, and practical ideas for self-care.
Let me go there: the Spirit of Lent by Paula Gooder
A daily companion for the six weeks of Lent, leading readers deeper into the spirit of the season. This book looks at characteristic themes of lent, such as wilderness, journey, discipleship and temptation, and explores how to use Lent as a time for spiritual growth.
At Home in Lent: The Story of Lent in 47 objects by Gordon Giles
A great resource, especially in lockdown. At Home in Lent takes a look at everyday objects all around you, and uses them to share a message of finding God wherever you are.
Rooted in Love: Lent reflections on Life in Christ Edited by Bishop Sarah Mullally
Forty reflections that lead us deeper into the meaning and practice of life in Christ today. Each reflection includes a Bible reading, a prayer and a suggestion for action based on the reading.
https://www.eden.co.uk/lent-books-for-individuals/rooted-in-love