Resources for Lent
Lentwise: Spiritual Essentials for Real Life
Paula Gooder
by Church House Publishing. £8.99
https://www.chpublishing.co.uk/books/9781781405451/lentwise
As we journey through life, we face challenges - both big and small. What spiritual essentials will help us survive life's storms? Lentwise is a five-session course which helps us to deal with the rigors of real life. Using fresh insights from John's gospel, it explores: direction, nourishment, wisdom, refreshment, and security. With extensive guidance for leaders as well as for group members, Lentwise is an inspiring and practical choice for house, cell and Lent groups.
Each session contains enough material for 90 minutes and includes: guidelines and full background notes for leaders; a passage from John's gospel, freshly translated by the author; prompts to aid both discussion and understanding; inspiring quotations and personal stories; prayer exercises; ideas for using multimedia in the group, and resources to support worship together. Each group member will need a copy of the book. This revised edition features a new introduction from Paula Gooder.
Meeting God in John
A Companion for Lent, Holy Week, Easter and Beyond
by David F. Ford
by SPCK £10.59
Meeting God in John explores what the Gospel reveals about God through the person of Jesus Christ. Essential reading for anyone seeking a richer grasp of the gospel message, it will leave you with a renewed appreciation of and enthusiasm for John's writing, and the desire to return to it over and over again. Ford's straightforward and illuminating approach also makes it eminently helpful for new Christians just starting out on their faith journey.
Each chapter includes questions for reflection or discussion, making Meeting God in John ideal for Bible study, whether individually or in small groups. With its focus on the Passion narrative, it also serves beautifully as a Lent devotional.
Simple yet profound, this is an invitation to all who long to deepen their understanding of John's Gospel - and, through it, to meet the God revealed in Jesus Christ.
Gravity Defied
A Lent Course Based on the Movie, Wicked
by Rachel Mann
by Darton Longman & Todd £7.03
Gravity Defied is a powerful new Lent course by Rachel Mann, based on scenes and ideas in the Oscar-nominated movie Wicked starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
The course explores a number of themes relevant to each of us in the contemporary world. These include recognising what is good and right, and standing up for it even when mocked, the temptations of success, popularity and respectability, and the importance of friendship and solidarity. All is discussed within the context of Jesus’s ministry recorded in the Gospels, the temptations and threats that he faced, and persecution of those who followed him.
The course is arranged in five weekly sessions suitable both for individuals and for group study:
• How do we judge goodness?
• Fear and loathing in the land of Oz.
• What is a life well lived?
• The attractions of popularity.
• The joy and cost of living life authentically.
Each session includes suggested clips from the film, as well as discussion questions, exercises and reflections, opening and closing prayers, and activities to consider across the week. There is also helpful guidance for people leading a group study of Gravity Defied.
The Cost of Christian Living
by Martyn Percy
by The Bible Reading Fellowship. £8.70
Reflections on gospel stories around the theme of money, including the Holy Week narratives
The gospels are full of references to coins, money, taxes, costs, pricing, wages, bribery and gambling.
In The Cost of Christian Living, Martyn Percy explores the different meanings and uses of money in the gospels. Looking at twelve different stories – parables, miracles and encounters, six from Holy Week and six from elsewhere in the gospels – this book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of faith and finance to help you to engage in a new way with the stories of Jesus’ life and death, and to reflect on your own attitudes and choices with regards to money.
Includes group study material for Lent or any six-week period of study.
A Journey with Jesus: An interactive guide through the Holy Land
by Bob Goff
by David C. Cook. £13.93
With immersive teaching filmed on location in Israel, this 8-week video-led Bible study from New York Times bestselling author Bob Goff invites you to walk where Jesus walked, engage Scripture with fresh eyes, and follow Him with greater love and purpose.
Join Bob Goff on a journey across Israel—not as a tourist but as a follower of Jesus. From Capernaum, where community took root, to the Sea of Galilee, where joy met calling, each session includes stunning video, fascinating biblical and historical insights, reflection opportunities for personal or group study, and Bob’s joyful storytelling.
Whether you're exploring faith for the first time, leaning in for a deeper connection with God, or gathering with friends who are ready to see their faith come alive again, A Journey with Jesus will stretch your perspective and equip you to love others more courageously.
An unlikely Lent
by Rachel Billups
by Abingdon Press. £14.26
Notice the unexpected in Easter. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are at the heart of the story of Easter. But the resurrection was not witnessed in isolation; it unfolded before a crowd. What might the stories of those women and men teach us today? How will they help us step into the story of Easter? Here, we can see what has been overlooked, not just in the grand moments but in the in-between: the silence, the side characters, and the questions.Gain new insight from the crowd on the themes of:-Devotion-Opposition-Freedom-Courage-Companionship-AlliancesBy seeing the Easter story through their eyes, we may discover that the resurrection is not just a past event, but an invitation into something new, unexpected, and unlikely. Walk through this season with eyes wide open, ready to see where God is moving, even in the margins. Since the cross is not the end of the story, embrace every unlikely moment along the way.In addition to the book, other study components include a Leader Guide and DVD.
On Purpose – Lent Devotional Journey
LICC
Free
https://licc.org.uk/ourresources/on-purpose-lent-devotional-journey/
Discover God-given purpose in everything you do.
With Jesus, our work, family life, friendships, and interests all serve a higher purpose.
The accountant who views her daily work as sacred and significant, even when colleagues insist it’s just a grind. The grandmother who talks to her granddaughter about Jesus every week over Sunday lunch. The head boy who jumps to the defence of the student who’s picked on by everyone else in the year. The four-year-old who churns out seven pieces of art an hour, and the mum who helps her see how she’s glorifying God in her creativity. The couple who take time to introduce themselves to new neighbours, establishing community where previously there was none.
No matter how mundane our everyday tasks and interactions may seem, they all have deep purpose in God’s eyes. In our work, family life, friendships, interests, and neighbourhoods, we’re invited to join in his redemptive work, making earth more like heaven. And that means wherever we go and whatever we do, we do it with purpose – God’s hands and feet in his world.
This Lent devotional journey invites you to think differently about everything you do. Over 40 days, you’ll get to grips with the Bible’s view of purpose, and read true stories of how that purpose is worked out in all kinds of Christians’ lives today.
Each week, you’ll explore a different theme:
· Purpose in work
· Purpose in family
· Purpose in friendship
· Purpose in our interests
· Purpose in our neighbourhoods
· Finally, in Holy Week you’ll prepare for Easter with an examination of how Jesus reveals his true purpose in the days before his crucifixion.
This journey comes with small group questions and videos to prompt discussion around each week’s theme, making it perfect to run as a whole church.
Devotional Readings
Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent
Kate Bruce, Michael Leyden, Jessica Martin - The Church of England Official Lent booklet 2026
by Church House Publishing. £2.99 (cheaper for bulk buy)
See: www.cofe.io/DrawNear
This booklet invites you to develop a rhythm of life that will help you grow as a disciple of Christ day by day, especially as we prepare to celebrate the mystery of God’s saving love at Easter. Each week a different contributor explores an activity central to Christian discipleship: worship, prayer, Scripture, communion, service to others and sharing the good news. For each day of Lent it offers daily Bible readings, images, short reflections, prayers and practical responses to help you draw near to God this Lent and beyond.
The Everyday faith app will carry daily reflections based on the booklet (for free).
It is also linked to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent book (Dancing to the Heartbeat of God)
Reflections for Lent 2026
Daily resources based on the lectionary readings for Lent 2026
CHP £5.39
Reflections for Lent is designed to enhance your spiritual journey through the forty days from Ash Wednesday to the Saturday of Easter Week.
Covering Monday to Saturday each week, it offers reflections on readings from the Common Worship Lectionary, written by some of today's leading spiritual and theological writers.
Each day includes:
• Full lectionary details for Morning Prayer
• A reflection on one of the Bible readings
• A Collect for the day
This volume offers daily material for 18 February to 11 April 2026, taken from the Reflections for Daily Prayer 20255/26 annual edition. It is ideal for individuals and groups seeking a simple yet profound daily prayer companion throughout Lent.
It also contains: • A simple form of Morning Prayer for Lent, Passiontide and Easter • A short form of Night Prayer (Compline) • An introduction to Lent by Mark Oakley • A guide to building daily prayer into daily life by Rachel Treweek
Dancing to the heartbeat of God
Stories of Discipleship: The Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book 2026: Foreword by Sarah Mullally
by SPCK. £11.99
See: https://spckpublishing.co.uk/dancing-to-the-heartbeat-of-god-pb
Dancing to the Heartbeat of God explores many aspects of discipleship.
With a foreword and an afterword by the Archbishop of Canterbury designate, an introduction by the Archbishop of York, and chapters by around thirty authors drawn from across the globe, the volume creates a sense of excitement, dynamism and faithful witness in its gloriously diverse writers and readers alike.
Its testimonies and stories aim to encourage people in the Church of England and across the Anglican Communion to share their faith with others.
Draw Near Child
A Lent challenge for families and children with 40acts
Stewardship
by CHP. £2.99 (cheaper for bulk buy)
https://www.chpublishing.co.uk/books/9781781405505/draw-near-child-single-copy
Draw Near is the official Church of England booklet for Lent 2026. This booklet encourages children, families, schools and church groups to build a habit of generosity with the help of 40acts (brought to you by Stewardship). Many people choose to “give something up” for Lent. Draw Near with 40acts invites you to turn that on its head: give things away, give time, give encouragement, and discover the joy of walking in generosity. As well as an act of generosity, each day also offers a simple Bible verse, reflection and prayer ideal for families, children, school and church groups to do together.
Wardrobes and Rings: Through Lenten Lands with the Inklings
by Julia Golding, Malcolm Guite, Simon Horobin
by Canterbury Press. £11.92
Journey through Lent with the insight and imagination of the Oxford Inklings - a group of writers who reshaped Christian thought and storytelling in the twentieth century. Drawing on the work of some of the Inklings’ most well-known members, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as friends of the Inklings such as Dorothy Sayers and T.S. Eliot, Wardrobes and Rings explores through their eyes a faith which is tinged with seriousness, creativity and joy.
This devotional draws on their writings - fiction, poetry, and essays - offering daily readings and reflections that illuminate the path to the cross and resurrection. Weekly themes such as temptation, time, nature and creativity guide the way.
Written by Julia Golding, Malcolm Guite and Simon Horobin: a novelist, a poet-priest, and an Oxford professor all deeply immersed in the Inklings’ world and wisdom, Wardrobes and Rings invites you to rediscover Lent through the lens of imagination-infused faith.
Each reflection ends with a Bible passage and a reflection question to consider.
Dappled Beauty: Through Lent with Gerard Manley Hopkins
by Carys Walsh
by Canterbury Press. £12.51
Following the success of her first book on R. S. Thomas, Carys Walsh invites readers to experience Lent through the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins—one of English literature’s most celebrated religious poets.
Hopkins’ vivid, inventive language and profound spiritual insight make him a powerful companion for the Lenten season. His poetry captures both human frailty and divine presence, drawing us into the beauty of creation and the journey of Christ toward the Passion.
With daily reflections on Hopkins’ rich imagery and rhythmic brilliance, this book offers a fresh way to deepen reflection, devotion, and discovery throughout Lent.
Includes 41 reflections based on Hopkins' poetry - one for each day of Lent (excluding Sundays).
Please note the reflections do not have questions included for group use.
The Lords's Prayer: 40-D ay Devotional
by J John
by Philo Trust. £8.35
The Lord’s Prayer is the most well-known prayer in history. It is memorised by millions, prayed in churches and kitchens, whispered at weddings and funerals. Yet it is far more than familiar words; it’s a framework for living.
This 40-day devotional explores ten rich themes drawn from the Lord’s Prayer. Over four days per theme, you’ll reflect on God’s Personal love, Praise his name, align with his Purpose, adopt his Priority, and rely on his Provision. You’ll also walk in his Pardon, extend Peace, lean on the Spirit’s Presence, trust his Protection, and lift your eyes with Perspective.
Not by Bread Alone 2026
by Mark A. Villano
by Liturgical Press. £2.98
Prayerfully journey through Lent with inspiring and meaningful reflections on the daily Mass readings. In just a few minutes each day, the insightful meditations of Not by Bread Alone can deepen your experience of this solemn season of prayer and penance.
Especially suitable for those of a more catholic spirituality.
BRF Lent Book: Giving it up
by Maggie Dawn
by Bible Reading Fellowship. £8.70
The idea of 'giving something up for Lent' is widely known and discussed today - yet how many know that the ancient discipline of the Lenten fast had several purposes?
It was designed as a reminder of our daily dependence on God for all our needs, to draw us closer to God in prayer, to reconnect with the idea of community, and to help us follow Christ's journey through the wilderness and on to Jerusalem.
How many of us simply abstain from some treat or other for a few weeks and fail to engage with this deeper meaning of Lent?
This book shows how Lent can be a time for exploring a different kind of 'giving up', one that can transform our lives. If we are to draw closer to God, we have to be willing to give up some of our entrenched ideas about him, in order to see him more clearly. In a series of daily studies, Maggi Dawn shows how, throughout Scripture, people were radically changed by encountering the true God. If we follow their examples, we can allow the Holy Spirit to shed his light on our ideas of God that are too harsh, too small, too fragile, or too stern. Then God will graciously reveal himself to us and bring us to an Easter joy that is richer and more profound than ever before. Contents include:
•Introduction
•Section 1: Giving up (Ash Wednesday to Saturday)
•Section 2: Jesus in the wilderness and beyond (First week of Lent)
•Section 3: Other wildernesses (Second week of Lent)
•Section 4: Changing perceptions (Third week of Lent)
•Section 5: Changing communities (Fourth week of Lent)
•Section 6: Changing your mind (Fifth week of Lent)
•Sections 7: 'The end of all our exploring' (Holy Week)
•Easter Sunday
At the end of each week's meditations there are reflection questions that can be used in a group setting.
40 Days: A Lenton Journey Through Exodus
by Benjamin Crimson
by Liturgical Press. £14.34
Walk with God's people while preparing your heart for Easter. Journey through the powerful story of God's people this Lent with 40 Days: A Lenten Journey Through Exodus by Ben Crismon.
For forty days, you'll walk alongside the Israelites through each chapter of Exodus—discovering their moments of faithfulness and failure, liberation and wandering—and see how their story speaks to yours.
Each day offers historical context, meaningful spiritual insights, and practical questions to help you hear God's promises, follow God's leadership, and prepare your heart for Easter.
This devotional is a thoughtful way to grow closer to God and deepen your discipleship, all while experiencing the central narrative of Exodus in a fresh, relatable way.
Sacred Space for Lent 2026
by The Irish Jesuits
by Layola Press. £4.58
Prepare for the Paschal Mystery by Entering a Sacred Space
Lent, a holy time of introspection and penance in preparation for the Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ, can be further enriched with Sacred Space for Lent 2026, a daily prayer experience from Sacred Space, the internationally known online prayer guide.
Sacred Space for Lent invites readers to develop a closer relationship with God during this season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This daily guided prayer experience is a simple but profound way to journey through the season.
In this easy-to-use format, you'll find weekly topics for meditation and prayer, as well as daily Scripture readings and brief reflections to ponder. Sacred Space for Lent is a beautiful way to both grow in relationship with God and embrace the season of preparation.
The Cost of Christian Living
by Martyn Percy
by The Bible Reading Fellowship. £8.70
Reflections on gospel stories around the theme of money, including the Holy Week narratives
The gospels are full of references to coins, money, taxes, costs, pricing, wages, bribery and gambling.
In The Cost of Christian Living, Martyn Percy explores the different meanings and uses of money in the gospels. Looking at twelve different stories – parables, miracles and encounters, six from Holy Week and six from elsewhere in the gospels – this book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of faith and finance to help you to engage in a new way with the stories of Jesus’ life and death, and to reflect on your own attitudes and choices with regards to money.
Includes group study material for Lent or any six-week period of study.
Sacred and Still
by Kristin Demery, Kendra Roehl, Julie Fisk
by Tyndale House Publishers. £12.81
Embrace the journey of grace, peace, and hope this Easter.
Jesus invites us to come to Him just as we are—open, unafraid, and ready to receive His boundless love.
In Sacred & Still, Kendra, Kristin, and Julie gently guide us through the season of Lent and unpack what Christ’s sacrifice ultimately means for us. Through this beautiful Christian devotional, explore the deep significance of Jesus’ crucifixion and delight in the celebration of His resurrection. As we make space for Jesus in our lives, we’ll rediscover the true meaning of Easter, empowering us to share Him with others.
Combining a rich church tradition with a fresh perspective on its impact on our lives today, this daily devotional guides us through the 40 days leading up to Resurrection Day, featuring:
· ways to incorporate the spiritual discipline of fasting into your Lenten practices
· prayers drawn from Scripture
· reflection prompts about what God is teaching you
· a beautiful, designed interior
More than a call to a deeper understanding of Christ’s grace, Sacred & Still is an invitation to carry the peace and love of Jesus into our everyday lives. As we journey through the still and sacred beauty of the Lenten season, we find healing, freedom, renewal, and purpose in His presence.