Ash Wednesday is approaching fast which begins the season of Lent. During Lent, Christians prepare to celebrate the miracle of Easter through prayer, fasting and other spiritual disciplines.
Studies and devotional resources are available from Abingdon Press, the Upper Room, the Society of St. Andrew and other publications to help church leaders and congregants experience Lent as a season of reflection and attentiveness. Many are available to order in bulk or come with leader kits. Most are appropriate for individual use and for Sunday school/small group or congregation-wide studies.
The Message of Jesus (Abingdon Press)
In this six-week study, pastor and best-selling author Adam Hamilton explores six of the most important themes in Jesus's teachings, why they matter, and how they speak to us today. The book will explore Jesus’s preaching on the Kingdom of God, the Sermon on the Mount, the parables, the “I am” sayings in John, and more. Jesus's message is not only life-changing, but world-changing. Join Adam Hamilton in studying The Message of Jesus: Words That Changed the World. The book itself is available along with a leader guide, DVD and downloadable sermon resources.
The Final Days: A Lenten Journey Through the Gospels (Abingdon Press)
Matt Rawle offers this indepth study of the different Gospel accounts of the Easter story. The four New Testament Gospels aren’t the same story, but they offer the same Resurrection hope. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John devote most of their story detailing Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem, all highlighting Jesus’ triumphant entry into the city, the suffering and humiliation of the cross, and the empty tomb come Sunday morning, but the stories they tell aren’t quite the same. Each Gospel offers a different lens through which we understand Jesus’ Passion. One portrait reveals Jesus to be in control, while another emphasizes his suffering. In one story Jesus offers hope to the thief on the cross, and in another Jesus only receives derision. These different perspectives aren’t a reason to dismiss the Gospels; rather the reveal an abundant, diverse, and complementary picture of God’s work in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This resource is available with the book itself, a leader guide and DVD.
The Gospel of John: A Beginners Guide to the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Abingdon Press)
With her characteristic wit and charm, Amy-Jill Levine introduces readers to the world of the Gospel of John by unpacking the stories in their original context, along with examining how the text is read today. This book considers the Gospel of John in its entirety, moving through the Gospel and exploring the prologue, the wedding at Cana, the Samaritan woman at the well and the woman caught in adultery, the healing of the man at the pool and the man born blind, foot washing, Mary Magdalene and Doubting Thomas, and the Lamb of God. This resource is available with the book itself, a leader guide and DVD.
Believe Like Jesus: Rising from Faith in Jesus to the Faith of Jesus (Abingdon Press)
Just in time for Lenten Season, Rebekah Simon-Peter leads readers and groups on a 40-day journey to spiritual transformation. This is a fresh approach to spiritual growth unlike anything you may have experienced before. These 40 days of transformation invite you to shift from believing in Jesus to believing like Jesus, from rising from faith in Jesus to the faith of Jesus, from being a disciple to being an apostle, all to become more Christ-like.
The Promise and Power of Easter Video Study: Captivated by the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus (Abingdon Press)
In this four-week Bible study taught by Christine Caine and Lisa Harper, we will remember together what led up to the cross and join hands in awesome celebration of the restoration we received when Jesus rose again. What a gift to reflect and rise together in the Lord's power and glory! This resource comes as video study and study guide.
Draw Close (Upper Room Books)
Experience scripture, God, and your faith in a fresh new way this Lenten season! In the interactive devotional Draw Close, Rev. Stephanie Dunn invites people of all faith levels and artistic skills into a creative daily practice that will deepen your faith and help you engage scripture in imaginative new ways. This unique Lenten companion for all ages can be used alone or with a group of others looking for new ways to practice their faith. Pick up a pencil, pen, or paintbrush and prepare to draw closer to God this Lent! Order your copy today.
The Third Day (Abingdon Press)
In The Third Day: Living the Resurrection, Tom Berlin uses his gifts of storytelling and understanding the Scriptures to connect the reader to the experiences of several individuals around Jesus in his final days, focusing on new life and redemption rather than loss. The book itself is available along with a leader guide and DVD.
Remember (Abingdon Press)
God’s covenants throughout the Old Testament show the character of God’s promises to the people of Israel.In this book, Susan Robb leads readers through the covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, followed by the new covenantestablished on Maundy Thursday. The Lenten story culminates with an examination of the cross as another example of God’s promise for a new world. The book itself is available along with a leader guide and DVD.
Where We Meet: A Lenten Study of Systems, Stories, and Hope (Upper Room Books)
In Where We Meet, four members of the Intersect network invite you to immerse yourself in the stories of Jesus and the early church. Together, they also explore their own stories, examine past shortcomings of the church, address difficult questions, and envision a brighter future that better reflects the good news of Jesus. Throughout the Lenten season, Rachel Gilmore, Tyler Sit, Matt Temple, and Candace Lewis guide you through a series of daily reflections, exploring a spectrum of critical themes—from diversity and equity to the challenges of the post-colonial church. This resource is available in print or ebook format.
Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts and Outlaws (Abingdon Press)
The Rev. Adam Hamilton explores the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus as told in the Gospel of Luke. Through Luke’s stories we find Jesus’ care and compassion for all as he welcomes sinners and outcasts. As we study Luke and see Jesus’ concern for those who were considered unimportant, we hear a hopeful and inspiring word for our lives today. The book itself is available along with a leader guide, leader kit, DVD, worship resources and media resources.
In the Footsteps of the Savior: Following Jesus through the Holy Land (Abingdon Press)
The Rev. Max Lucado takes readers on an unforgettable journey following Jesus through his life on earth, giving them a chance to see the Holy Land and God's heart for humanity in a brand-new light. With beautiful photographs and thoughtful questions for reflection this book takes the reader on a journey through Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, the Jordan River, Bethany, Jerusalem, and more. The book itself is available along with a study guide, DVD and streaming video.
Toward the Cross: Heart-Shaping Lessons for Lent and Easter (Abingdon Press)
In this seven-week study authors Taylor W. Mills, Gary Thompson and Michelle J. Morris help readers explore the qualities and characteristics of Christian discipleship that lead you to claim Jesus as your highest priority. Each week includes a group session based on the traditional Gospel texts with supporting daily readings. Order this book in print or ebook form.
Struggle to the Cross (Abingdon Press)
Struggle to the Cross is a new Lenten study by best-selling author and United Methodist Bishop Sharma D. Lewis. Bishop Lewis invites readers to observe Lent by introspection, repentance, forgiveness, renewal, prayer, fasting and Biblical study. Each daily reading ends with the “My Action” section, inviting readers to put into practice what they have read and reflected upon. Each Sunday, readers are asked to reflect and journal on the past week’s study using questions provided by the author. Order this study in print or ebook form.
My Body Is Good: Embracing Body Positivity and Giving Up Diet Culture for Lent (Upper Room Books)
Author Anne Cumings recalls growing up in a culture that scrutinized her body as a source of weakness and sin. Now, equipped with a body-positive mindset, she has created an engaging and uplifting study, My Body Is Good, to guide readers through a Lenten season of celebrating their bodies. Written specifically for women, each daily meditation offers a scripture passage, a reflection, and a prayer. Readers are encouraged to capture their questions, ideas, and thoughts through journaling and other spiritual practices, all with the intention of healing from diet culture. This resource is available in print or ebook format.
Witness at the Cross: A Beginner's Guide to Good Friday (Abingdon Press)
Experience Holy Friday from the perspective of those who watched Jesus die. In Witness at the Cross, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine shows how the people at the cross each have distinct roles to play in the Gospels. The story of Jesus’s death is not something we just read: we think about it, and we experience it; we hear the taunts of the soldiers, the priests, and the passersby even as we hear the famous “seven last words” from the cross. Available resources include the book itself, a leader guide and/or kit and a DVD.
The Lord's Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught (Abingdon Press)
Most Christians know the Lord’s Prayer by heart. But do we really understand and appreciate the meaning and power of its words, what we ask of God each time we pray it? In The Lord’s Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught, pastor and bestselling author Adam Hamilton guides us to really know—and really pray—the Lord’s Prayer. He explores each of its rich lines and their meaning in the Bible, illuminating what we ask of God and what we ask of ourselves through its words. And he teaches us how to use it as a pattern for our own prayer life. The book itself is available along with a leader guide, leader kit, DVD, worship resources and bookmark packets (25 per packet).
The Most Important Prayer of All (Abingdon Press)
In this new children's book by the Rev. Adam Hamilton, a little girl learns the meaning of the Lord's Prayer from her grandfather. Sold in packs of 10 for churches to purchase and give to families. This book recommended for ages 3-12 is perfect for parents, grandparents and other caregivers to read with children.
Savior: What the Bible Says about the Cross (Abingdon Press)
As Christians, we’re taught that Christ died on the cross to bring us salvation. We know this, but do we understand it? What exactly did Jesus do to save us from our sins? Was the cross really necessary? Could there have been another way? The Rev. Magrey deVega explores the mystery of salvation through the cross, helping readers find a deeper love for God and others while strengthening their commitment to follow Jesus. Along with the book itself, readers can purchase a leader guide or DVD.
A New Day: Dawn: Lenten Devotionals (Society of St. Andrew)
These devotions contain daily meditations, prayers and guidance written by pastors, missionaries and laypeople from many different Christian traditions. The 2025 theme is "A New Day Dawn." The devotionals can be used by individuals, small groups or congregations.
The Sanctuary for Lent 2025 (Abingdon Press)
Experience a transformative Lenten journey with The Sanctuary for Lent 2025 devotional! Each day includes a suggested Scripture, a short devotion, and a short prayer or practice – based on the Revised Common Lectionary, this annual favorite will guide you from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day. Ideal for congregations and perfect as gifts for loved ones, these booklets come in packs of 10 that fit perfectly in #10 envelopes. They're a great addition to Lenten mailings by churches and an easy way to reach out to visitors and members of your community during this special season. Order a 10-booklet packet today.
Philip J. Brooks is a writer and content developer with the leader communications team at United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.