United Methodists often take the Lenten season to grow and strengthen their faith, spending time reflecting on what it means to be a follower of Christ.
We’ve assembled a booklist of both new and older releases to be used on your Lenten journey, either in a group or by yourself. Pick up a book, open the pages and take time to grow closer to God as we move toward Easter.
"The Lord's Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer"
“The Lord’s Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer,” a new book by United Methodist pastor and popular author Adam Hamilton, guides the reader to better understand prayer that Jesus taught us to pray. By exploring the lines and their meanings, we take a look at what we ask of God and what we ask of ourselves while learning how to use the Lord’s Prayer as a pattern for our own prayer life. In addition to the single book, a six-session leader kit with DVDs and worship resources is available.
"Witness at the Cross: A Beginner's Guide to Holy Friday"
Internationally renowned Bible scholar and author Amy-Jill Levine’s new release, “Witness at the Cross: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Friday,” shows how the people at the cross played distinct roles and had distinct perspectives of Jesus’ crucifixion. The reader can learn how those meanings and messages cross the centuries to any who would come to the cross today. The book can be used as six-session study, with a leader’s guide and DVDs also available.
"John: the Gospel of Light and Life"
“John: the Gospel of Light and Life” by Adam Hamilton is out in paperback as a new release. This book, perfect to use church-wide or in small groups of all ages, offers the reader a chance to experience a season of spiritual growth and life-changing renewal by following the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus through the Gospel of John. The book is available in a variety of versions, including large print, youth study book and hardcover. Leader’s guides for both adult study and children’s study are also available.practices in John Wesley’s means of grace. Highlighted by illustrations and stories, chapters examine preparing the way for God, the impact and significance of prayer, the substance of good works and caring for others and sharing God’s mission to the world.
"The Sanctuary for Lent 2022"
“The Sanctuary for Lent 2022” by Danielle Buwon Kim is a devotional, updated annually, containing brief readings for each day from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday. The daily passage contains Scripture based on the Revised Common Lectionary, a short devotion and a closing prayer. The booklets are sold in packages of 10, for easy sharing among friends who church members.
You may also want to check out perennial favorites from United Methodist Publishing House, including
“The Grace of Les Miserables” by Matt Rawle
“The Passion Play: Living the Story of Christ’s Last Days” by Rob Fuquay
“Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week” by Amy-Jill Levine.
“Seven Words: Listening to Christ from the Cross” by Susan Robb
Three titles from Adam Hamilton: “The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life,” “Words of Life: Jesus and the Promise of the Ten Commandments” and “Simon Peter: Flawed but Faithful Disciple.”
“Savior: What the Bible Says about the Cross” by Magrey deVega
Crystal Caviness, who works for UMC.org at United Methodist Communications, compiled this list of books based on recommendations by staff at United Methodist Publishing House. You may reach her by email.
This article was published on February 2, 2022.
