From madness to contemplation, we’ve compiled a list of resources for Lenten devotions. Have one to add? Include in the comments below or on our Facebook page!
In the Garden
The Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) has developed Growing a Rule of Life program designed around the ideas of nature, gardens, seeds, cultivation, vocation and nurturing, connecting our relationships with God, our selves, each other and creation, in daily videos and a downloadable workbook.
http://ssje.org/ssje/growrule/
With Art
Forward Movement’s Join the Journey app (for iPhone or iPad), designed in partnership with 14-year-old programmer Jack Whittaker, combines reflections and images by cartoonist Jay Sidebotham with gospel readings, journaling and coloring.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/journey-through-lent-2016/id1075626338?mt=8
In the Air
Green Anglicans have created a 40-day Carbon Fast, to “reduce the actions which damage God’s creation.” Each day suggests a different activity or reflection, along with scripture and prayers.
With the Celts
Published this month, David Cole’s “Celtic Lent: 40 Days with 40 Saints” is available as a Kindle download. Each day includes history on a different saint, plus a meditation, Bible reading and blessing.
For Teachers
LeaderResources includes books and curricula for all ages and all liturgical seasons.
Seeing through Art
Under the Fig Tree: Visual Poems and Prayers for Lent, a new book by Roger Hutchison, author of The Painting Table: A Journal of Loss and Joy offers 48 images and accompanying reflections offer a unique and engaging tool for the Lenten journey following Christ’s words to be like children to enter the reign of God. Available here.
In the World
Episcopal Relief and Development has published its 2016 Meditations booklet in both English and Spanish. “This year’s devotional focuses on creating economic opportunities and strengthening communities, with a particular focus on empowering women.” ERD does not charge for the booklets, just a small fee for shipping and handling.
http://www.episcopalrelief.org/church-in-action/church-campaigns/lent
Reviving Economies and Communities
Forward Movement has published “Repairing the Breach: Discipleship and Mission in a Global Economy,” a series of daily meditations and videos created by the Theology Committee of the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops. The program offers downloadable PDFs and daily e mails.
http://www.forwardmovement.org/Products/2417/repairing-the-breach.aspx
In Families
Forward Movement and Plainsong Farm have partnered to create Grow Christians, an online community with the goal of collecting “reflections, stories, images and recipes from diverse Episcopalians,” beginning with a temporary Lenten pilot program this year.
http://www.growchristians.org/about-us/
In Brackets
Lent Madness is back (does it ever really go away?), the 40-day competition of historical saints, created by Scott Gunn and Tim Schenck, includes celebrity bloggers, weekly videos, a lively social media conversation and the Eastertide awarding of the Golden Halo.
With Crayons
Praying in Color includes calendar and coloring templates on its website, to incorporate into daily Lenten meditations and prayer, and a list of other ideas for daily reflections.
http://prayingincolor.com/lenten-calendar-templates-2016
Letting Go
Living Compass has published “Living Well Through Lent 2016: Letting Go With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind,” with reflections by nine writers revolving around weekly themes.
http://shop.livingcompass.org/products/living-well-through-lent-2016
In Study
The Society of St. Andrew has published two booklets, “While Still Far Off,” a collection of devotions and daily giving to the hungry, and “I Thirst,” a booklet for reflecting through a Good Friday fast.
And Two More Resources…
ECF Vital Practices includes additional resources including diocesan projects on its Lenten Resource page here: http://www.ecfvp.org/tools/lenten-resources/
The Episcopal Church’s Lenten resource page includes series on themes of racial reconciliation and other topics. http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2016/02/02/resources-for-exploring-a-holy-lent/