Contemplating The Cross: A 40 Day Pilgrimage Of Prayer

by Tricia McCary Rhodes

Few times of year lend themselves to pilgrimage and contemplation like Easter. For forty days, Christians have before them the opportunity to examine their own path and compare it with the incredible journey undertaken by Christ, from the agony of the garden to the glory of the resurrection. By sharing her journey, Tricia Rhodes provides the tools to cultivate the cross within and the inspiration to accept the Father's summons to kneel in its shadow. Scripture and daily exercises gently nourish the spiritual traveler, while journal pages wait to hold the story of personal reflection. More encompassing than a devotional, more intimate than a mere yardstick of faith, Contemplating the Cross will become a treasured keepsake. "May God touch your deepest soul and brand you with the fire of His devotion as you contemplate the cross of Christ." Tricia Rhodes

Genres: Christian, Prayer, Nonfiction

201 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1998

Reviews

[Mary Rose Relente · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I did many attempts on finishing this book for several years. Maybe because during those times I had so much going on and I can’t seem to focus on it. I realized it’s not the kind of book you can just read anytime, anywhere (at least for me). It’s the kind of book that must be read intentionally during one’s solitude (no distractions whatsoever). It was only then that I found myself deeply in it–heart and soul.

It was through this book that I realized how shallow my knowledge and appreciation of the reality of the Cross and the sufferings of Christ is. Guilty I may be, but this book helped me a lot to address that.

There is so much more to the Cross than just how we read about it—so much to see, know, learn, and love about our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally found a Lenten devotional that focuses entirely on Scriptures about Jesus' death and resurrection. For each day through Lent - except Sundays - there is one verse from the crucifixion story, an embellished narrative based around that verse to immerse the reader in the moment, and a response and prayer.

Although this did help me contemplate the crucifixion in a new, deeper way, I found a few things distracting. The embellished narrative sometimes felt disbelievingly inaccurate, and Rhodes frequently instructs - almost demandingly - the reader to think or pray a certain way, instead of inviting such contemplation with open and thoughtful prompts. Overall, Contemplating the Cross is a good Lenten devotional, and despite my critique I still recommend it to anyone looking for a creative verse-by-verse study of Jesus' death and resurrection.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most powerful books I have and ever will read in my life. As someone who grew up in a Christian home, Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection have always been familiar topics, but over time that familiarity bred apathy. With this book, I was forced to walk with Jesus every step towards His death and can say with 100% honesty that it felt like I was hearing the story for the first time. Rhodes writes with passion, intensity, and urgency that pushed me outside my comfort zone and forced me to confront many things both in- and outside of my relationship with Christ.

Reading this book is an experience I would strongly suggest to everyone pursuing a relationship with Jesus, and is something I will definitely do again in the future.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great tool for spending time reflecting on not just Jesus dying on the cross, but all his sufferings on the way to death. I might be a bit partial to the author, since she is my pastor's wife. But she does an excellent job expanding the Scriptural text into a more literary form with the help of histories not included in the Bible (ie, the why & how of crucification and etc.).

[Janice Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tricia McCary Rhodes is one of my favorite authors of Christian books. She is a spiritual director whose books point one to God in creative ways. Her books challenge me to think differently about God, and to be more contemplative in my faith. I use this book during Lent each year. It's amazing.

[Charmaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every year at Easter....a must read

[Sherie Kirkpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I actually practiced contemplative meditation. It was quite a cool experience.

[Franni · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intensely intimate look into the heart of Jesus - and the price He paid for you & me. God used this book to change my life!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully written 40 day prayer guide for Lent. The meditations are profound, giving space for the reader to consider the cross in many new ways.

[Maple L. Corea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful book for me to walk with Jesus for 40 days. Love it! Will definitely keep this in my bookshelf and Read again next lent!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book! I read it over Lent, finished before Easter. It definitely enhanced my knowledge of Jesus' journey to the cross, and how much I need Him. Words aren't my gift, but know that reading this book will be such a gift to your relationship with Jesus :)

[Thana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for walking through lent and very thought provoking on what led up to the Cross and what Jesus has done for us to have hope.