What Should I Read During Lent?

This year Lent begins on the 17th of February. But don’t worry about forgetting it, because in the run-up to Lent the conversations you hear will sound strikingly familiar:

‘What I’m giving up for Lent this year is…’

Chocolate, Social Media, and Alcohol are the top three things to be given up over Lent, as if Lent is merely a second go at New Year’s Resolutions, and ones which only have to be endured for a month and a half.

But Jesus didn’t go into the Desert to prove to himself, and others, he could love without Facebook for 40 days. His fasting was not an endurance test, but a space for depth and prayer.

And so, in the spirit of growing deeper in faith over these 40 probably-chocolate-free days, here are our picks of some great books to read over Lent:

1. Dethroning Mammon by Justin Welby

For years different Archbishops of Canterbury selects a Christian author to write a book that focuses on different aspects of Lent, offers space for thought and reflection. Dethroning Mammon is different. The Archbishop of Canterbury himself has written this Lent book from 2017.

In the same tone that author David Foster Wallace stated ‘pretty much anything you worship will eat you alive’, Justin Welby asks us what cross we want to be crucified on: a cross of wood, or a cross of gold?

Dethroning Mammon is a challenge to look at what we worship in life, at what we see as valuable both as individuals and as a society, reminding us that we should place our trust in God, rather than of wealth and gold’s clay feet.

Click here to buy Dethroning Mammon by Justin Welby

2. Let Me Go There by Paula Gooder

From Paula Gooder, the author of the Risen Experience and Journey to the Empty Tomb, this is another insightfully written Lent Devotional that looks behind the surface of the season to discover the Spirit within. In it, she explores the different elements of Jesus’ 40 journey into the desert, showing how the barren, empty land is a place of spiritual growth. A desert is a place we should want to go to because, with great irony, it is a place of meaningful growth.

These short devotions are perfect for setting up a space of thought, and for giving you something to meditate on throughout the day.

Click here to by Let Me Go There by Paula Gooder

3. The Living Cross by Amy Boucher Pye

Seeing no end to Easter, The Living Cross is the perfect book for reminding yourself that forgiveness is ongoing; that it doesn’t end at the cross, just as Jesus’ life didn’t either.

Written by Amy Boucher Pye, author of Finding Myself in Britain, this new and encouraging journey through Lent is filled with the relentless hope that is found in bringing the Easter period into your day-to-day life.

Click here to buy the Living Cross by Amy Boucher Pye

4. Celtic Saints: 40 days of devotional readings by David Cole

The life stories of the Celtic saints are inspirational. They demonstrate great and unassuming faith, often in the face of insurmountable difficulties. In Celtic Saints, David Cole draws us to relate our own life journey and developing a relationship with God into the life story of the Celtic saint of the day.

A corresponding biblical text and blessing encourages and motivates us to transform our lives for today's world in the light of such historic faith.

Click here to by Celtic Saints by David Cole

5. God With Us by Rowan Williams

This is a book for deep dives, for the striking insights and readings which bring a newfound appreciation to Jesus’ death and resurrection.

God With Us is Rowan Williams’ newest Lent offering and, as well bringing a fresh approach to foundational truths of Christianity. It also offers the chance for discussions with each chapter ending with leading questions to think and talk about with friends and small groups.

Click here to buy God With Us by Rowan Williams

6. God on Mute by Pete Grieg

Lent isn't just for Lent books. Pete Grieg's seminal guide to the hard questions of prayer has strengthened and encouraged Christians for years. In a brand new edition, this classic now includes a 40-day devotional plan. Perfect for anyone wanting to use Lent as a chance to focus on, and grow in, prayer. Pete's book will light a fire under you: a fire for fervent prayer.

Click here to buy the new edition of God on Mute by Pete Grieg.

For even more inspiring lent books and study guides, check out our Lent Guides Store.