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God for Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Lent and Easter

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God For Us explores the meaning of Lent, its importance in spiritual formation, its significance in preparation for Easter, and the holy season of Easter itself.

God For Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Lent and Easter features reflections by Scott Cairns, Kathleen Norris, Richard Rohr, Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, James Schaap, Luci Shaw, Beth Bevis, and Lauren F. Winner. By delving deeply into the Christian tradition they reveal what one theologian has called the “bright sadness” of Lent—that it is not about becoming lost in feelings of brokenness, but about cleansing the palate so that we can taste life more fully. Lent and Easter reveal the God who is for us in all of life—for our liberation, for our healing, for our wholeness. Lent and Easter remind us that even in death there can be found resurrection.
 

224 pages, Hardcover

First published November 28, 2013

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About the author

Greg Pennoyer

3 books4 followers

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5 stars
74 (40%)
4 stars
66 (36%)
3 stars
38 (20%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Shannon.
1,874 reviews
March 29, 2014
It may seem premature to review a book I haven't finished reading yet, but I can say with certainty this book deserves five stars. It is, by far, the best Lenten devotional I've ever read. There is much I love about it:

1) The full color reproductions of art on every page were the original reason I bought this book. They have not disappointed. I've seen art by artists I know and love as well as encountered artists I've never heard of. Without fail, I have enjoyed having art accompany the daily devotions.

2) I also love the writings by both authors I've read before (Richard Rohr and Lauren F Winner) as well as some who are new to me (Scott Cairns and Kathleen Norris). Each author brings their own unique voice to the week and that has provided a welcome variety and fresh perspective through the entire season.

3) The historical explanations of the history of Lent itself and feast days within the season have been not only well-written, but illuminating. I have loved understanding the history behind the season and the rhythm of the season as experienced by the church historically.

4) This is a book worth holding in your hands. In this day of e-readers, God for Us is a book to hold, to feel, to smell. The pages are thick, the ribbon bookmarks are helpful, the weight of it on my lap is reassuring.

In short, this is a book that will help you worship and experience Lent. It won't prescribe how you should fast, nor will it give you a checklist of Lenten How-To's. What it will do is point you, again and again, to the One who awaits us Easter morning.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,592 reviews11 followers
April 17, 2022
Beautiful artwork, great history of the season, and some inspiring nuggets of truth, but overall it was choppy and hard for me to connect with.
366 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2022
3.5. I loved the artwork in this book and spending time in prayer with such a variety of interpretations. Some of the devotional authors were outstanding and others fell flat for me.
Profile Image for James.
1,526 reviews117 followers
February 2, 2016
the past couple of years my Lenten practice has been enriched by books from Paraclete Press. Two years ago I prayed the daily offices from the Prayer Book of the Early Christians through Lent. Last year my wife and I read Seeking His Mind: 40 Meetings With Christ by M. Basil Pennington as part of our evening devotions.I was on the hunt for a good reader for Lent this year and was excited by Paraclete’s latest offering, God For Us: Rediscovering th
e Meaning of Lent and Easter. I am highly impressed and excited about this! I have read God With Us, the companion volume to this book which explores the meaning of Advent and Christmas. So I had some inkling of what to expect when I opened the book.

However, I was ill-prepared for how beautiful this book is. It is a hardcover book with ribbon bookmarks. Inside, it has inside a stunning collection of art work. Icons, religious art, landscapes, and still life which deepen our experience of Jesus life, death and resurrection. The art is well chosen to illustrate the readings, they are not just pretty pictures. I counted over a hundred paintings, in a variety of styles but mostly from the Western European tradition.

God For Us is edited by Greg Pennoyer and Gregory Wolfe (of Image Journal). Pennoyer and Wolfe have assembled an impressive list of of Christian writers and poets which include the likes of Richard Rohr, Lauren Winner, Scott Cairns, James Schaap, Luci Shaw, and Kathleen Norris. There is a preface from Greg Pennoyer and an introduction by Ronald Rolheiser, OMI. Beth Bevis opens the volume with a section on the history of Lent and has fourteen other articles which punctuate the text. These authors share a commitment to Christ and they are all great writers (five of which are personal favorites). However they also represent a range of church traditions. They are Catholic, Orthodox, Episcopalian, Presbyterian (maybe more–I don’t know the denominational affiliation of James Schaap or Beth Bevis).

Each week of Lent has daily readings by one of these contributors. Richard Rohr writes the entries from Shrove Tuesday to the Saturday of the first full week of Lent (a week-and-a-half’s worth). Lauren Winner covers week two; Scott Cairns, week three, James Schaap , week four; Luci Shaw, week five; and Kathleen Norris covers Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Bevis’s articles introduce each of the weeks as well as important feast and fast days. The daily entries are each about two days long, reflect on the daily lectionary and close with a brief printed prayer. This a substantive devotional which opens up the contributors’ own practice of Lent. The literary gifts of the authors ensures that this devotional

I really like the format for this book. Reading one author for a week and then changing to the next, provides both continuity and variety. Beth Bevis’s articles illumiate aspects of church tradition (i.e. Lent as the season of Baptismal preparation, differences between practices East and West, etc.). This gives a rooted-ness and framework for the rest of the book. I love how well this book is crafted!

As I look over this book I am grateful for a book that helps me press fully into the meaning of the season. I will be reading this through Lent and would love some friends to read this with. So if you are shopping for a Lenten devotional, perhaps we can read in community and go through this together.

Thank you to Paraclete Press for Providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
73 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2024
I had read such good things about this Lenten devotional and I was excited to pray with it… especially with the art. While both the art selections (very white/Euro-centric) and some of the reflections fell a bit flat for me, I decided to bump up from three stars because I did enjoy reading new-to-me authors. I particularly enjoyed learning more, and praying with, those of the Orthodox traditions through the writings of Scott Cairns. Overall, this book was a faithful Lenten companion and I looked forward to praying with it each day.
Profile Image for Tim.
86 reviews
April 23, 2022
To begin with the obvious, the title 'God For Us' is emblematic of the non-meritocratic core of Christian spirituality.  A term we use – sometimes pejoratively, sometimes in a more approbatory fashion - to describe a specific approach to material well being is bootstrapping.  This is the idea where you crawl out of the slime and mud of your familial heritage, work long and hard to achieve your goals and eventually ascend to the pinnacle of worldly success. While there may be religions that emulate a spiritual parallel to this self-energized ascent, Christianity is an anti-bootstrapping faith.  We don't reach up to God with our efforts, God reaches down to us in the mire of existence.

In terms of participatory knowing, it seems to me that a Lenten practice, when not engaged in a spirit of mindless ritual or for purely pragmatic reasons, is a sort of extended version of what happens on any given Sunday from a Christian perspective.  To cast it as a simple mnemonic device:

Rest (which is a practice of abstaining from something)
Refocus (which is a practice of maintaining something)

Admittedly the first idea does not map exactly on to the second.  Quite apart from the fact that had I abstained from work for 40 days it would be more like a vacation than anything else, I dare say that if I had done so in all probability at this moment I would be reviewing my resume rather than writing this review.  The idea is something is removed to give something else more a more prominent place.  In the case of the overlap between Sunday and Lent, while the abstain does not map perfectly, the maintain does: the purpose of both Lent and any given Sunday is to refocus on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The book is divided up into weekly sections, each one written by a different author.  Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant practitioners are all represented herein.  Personally, I enjoyed the fifth week by Luci Shaw the most because, being a poet, she brought the creative aspects of the Imago Dei into it a lot.  Each of these weekly portions was prefaced by a fifth author detailing the history behind how Lent and the specific holidays that are part and parcel of it came into being.  Standing at a point in history over two thousand years after the inception of Christianity, it is safe to say a fair amount of cultural detritus has accumulated.  There are a lot of barnacles on the hull of this ship. In the case of Lent, I think it's less a case of what (the practice) and more a case of why (the motivation) that needs to be examined.

As one might expect in an approach this ecumenical, I can't say I agreed with everything I read. But then, if I were in the habit of reading only books that I am one hundred percent in agreement with, my bookshelves would be as bare as Mother Hubbard's proverbial cupboard. Overall, I found this book helpful and descriptive of a practice that, inasmuch as one is so inclined, need not necessarily be exercised in synchronicity with the liturgical calendar.
Profile Image for Karen Hsu.
548 reviews6 followers
June 3, 2015
April 2015 - I didn't make it to the end because of busyness, which is contradictory to the point of the book. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the sections we read. The history of Lent and Easter is something we all should recognize and know.

April 2014 - My husband and I started this book focused and determined to make it through our Lenten sacrifices. Toward the end, it became a chore, but this book was not at fault.

The book highlighted the rich history and traditions of Lent, which helped us appreciate the ritual. We enjoyed reading the daily devotionals and found we preferred certain authors to others: a matter of writing style.

This is a good companion for those who follow the Lenten tradition.

908 reviews
March 30, 2024
This is the 8th Lent I have daily prayed with this book.
The meditations, prayers, and beautiful art work make it well worth rereading each Lent. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for John.
Author 0 books
April 1, 2024
This was the perfect choice for my return to Lent readings. For this year’s daily devotional readings, I chose The Celtic Book of Days: Ancient Wisdom for Each Day of the Year from the Celtic followers of Christ. The books paired beautifully, with frequent overlaps. Both books directed the reader to additional daily associated scripture passages. The forays into History’s of the Feast allowed glimpses of the where, why, and how of the Lenten and Easter season. True to the subtitle, I was taken on a trip of rediscovery, leaving me with an increased desire to dig deeper into my faith. The publisher is Paraclete Press where I am already shopping for my next Advent and Lent readings.
Profile Image for James.
1,526 reviews117 followers
February 3, 2016
The season of Lent starts in a week. If you are hoping to find a good Lent devotional, one of the best on the market is God For Us (Paraclete: 2013).  I used it as my primary devotionals a couple of years ago and referred to it throughout the Lenten season last year. The book has a poet or spiritual writer give a week's worth of daily devotions. Contributers include: Scott Cairns, Kathleen Norris, Richard Rohr, Luci Shaw, James Schaap and Lauren Winner. Beth Bevis's historical articles on the celebration of Lent and various feast days punctuate the text Ronald Rolheiser, OMI writes the introduction and all of this was assembled under Greg Pennoyer and Gregory Wolfe's (both of Image Journal) editorial eyes.

For this Lenten season, Paraclete has just released the readers God For Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Lent and Easter - Reader's Edition. The book's text is the same as the previous edition; however the earlier edition was sort of a coffee table book, with glossy pages full of art. The Reader's Edition is a simple paperback with french flaps. While I absolutely loved the beauty of the previous edition, this is somewhat more practical and user friendly. I felt guilty about underlining and making notes in the original edition (I still did it) because it was such a pretty book. The Reader's Edition doesn't contain the art or the glossy pages and is more portable.

However, I did notice one small error unique to this edition. Page 35 of my copy, mistakenly attributes the entry to the late Richard John Neuhaus (I have a review copy, so I may be looking at a proof copy). My guess is that this a typographical error. Neuhaus contributed to the companion volume God With Us: Readings For Advent and Christmas which Paraclete also published a reader's edition of, late last year. I checked that page of the devotional because I remembered that the lectionary readings for that day (First Sunday of Lent) didn't correlate to the passages that Richard Rohr discussed in his devotion. They still don't.

This doesn't diminish my enjoyment of the overall text. This devotional stands apart for its ecumenical spirit--bringing together an impressive list of Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox (Cairns) spiritual writers. the devotions vary, but they are all quality.  If you are looking for a devotional that will deepen your experience and appreciation of the practice of Lent, this is perhaps the best one out there. Bevis's contributions give this a historical rootedness often missing from devotional literature.  I give this edition 4.5 stars.

Note: I received this book from Paraclete Press in exchange for my honest review.

P.S.--This devotional is also available from Paraclete with a companion CD of Easter themed Gregorian chant. I have not listened to the CD, but I have been impressed with Paraclete's collection of sacred music and see how popping this CD in as you read the book will help mark sacred time.
Profile Image for Mary Beth.
139 reviews9 followers
March 22, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Helpful, thoughtful book of short meditations on the progress of the Christian through the experience of Lent, holy Week and Easter. A compilation of spiritual insights from a diverse group of writers arranged in a chronological form to help focus the reader as he moves through the weeks of preparation for the great revelation of Easter. Wonderful historical and liturgical explanations of the practices of these days as well as personal reflections to enhance one's Lenten conversions. Scripture references use the Gospel of Mark as the Sunday readings so does not necessarily follow the liturgical readings for each year. The Passion of Matthew is used for Palm Sunday. Overall a very helpful book. Would enhance anyone's Lenten practice and focus.
Profile Image for lisa.
62 reviews6 followers
April 2, 2015
As a book reviewer and passionate reader of spirituality texts, I have seen many devotionals that do not delve deeply enough. In God for Us, I have discovered insightful writing and beautiful prayers that will nourish me in future Lents. Not only are there readings for each day of Lent, but also brief essays on the history of special feasts observed during the season, such as Palm Sunday.

For my complete review, visit my blog, light to read by.
Profile Image for Courtney.
321 reviews
June 13, 2022
This was an edifying Lent devotional. Each week was written by a different author, including a favorite poet of mine, Luci Shaw. I wish there had been more editing in the final volume, as the reflection often did not match up with the Scripture references listed. I would also love to see more reflections for the Eastertide season, analagous to the Christmastide devotions which extended past Advent in that volume (from the same series as this). Still, I was glad to have read it. It was helpful to have more directed devotional time during the season of Lent.
Profile Image for Shari McCullough.
109 reviews
April 27, 2014
What a rich way to spend each day of Lent reading this thought-filled and thought provoking daily devotional book. It will be a treasured addition to my Lenten journey in the years to come. The team of writers are well chosen. The historical background so enriching. And the art work ... so perfectly selected. I sat silently with the art as it invited me into such holy places. I cannot recommend this book enough!

Profile Image for Mar.
2,120 reviews
April 6, 2015
Good book for Lent/Easter Devotions. A variety of writers take on a week of meditations, and I like some of them more then others. The art work chosen to accompany the daily reading is worth looking at. Each day has assigned Scripture readings from the Psalms, Prophets, Gospels and New Testament Letters and if readers are going to read it all, they need to set aside sufficient time. If just reading the devotional/meditation for the day, less time is required.
Profile Image for Melody.
120 reviews
March 30, 2025
I am learning about Lent in a real way - probably for the first time in my life. I appreciate all the authors that have contributed to this book. The art work is stunning and has led me down many rabbit trails. A bit of necessary history is helpful, and the various perspectives presented - this book has accomplished it's purpose - to help us understand and appreciate the Lenten Season.
Profile Image for Tina.
352 reviews7 followers
April 13, 2020
As a lifelong Protestant, I appreciate books that explain liturgical practices. This Lenten devotional did a good job of that. The historical meaning of each week and feast day is explained by the same author. A different author writes the daily devotionals for each week. My favorite authors were Richard Rohr (1st week) and Kathleen Norris (last week).
Profile Image for J. Alfred.
1,829 reviews37 followers
April 10, 2023
Sir or madam, do you require some help thinking deeply about Lent or, more broadly, what we're up to as a people in the midst of suffering and frustration and monotony? Do you also need some help realizing the point of liturgical stuff generally? Do you need someone to let you know when the feast days are during the long Lenten season?
If so, I have a book recommendation for you.
Profile Image for Joy Matteson.
649 reviews69 followers
April 21, 2014
My excellent Lenten devotional book for 2014. Filled with gorgeous artistry describing the life of Christ, every day in the season of Lent is reflected upon by some truly great spiritual writers of our time.
Profile Image for Jamie Howison.
Author 9 books13 followers
April 23, 2014
Daily readings for the season of Lent by an array of fine writers... I particularly liked the weeks by Lauren Winner, James Schaap, and Kathleen Norris. Actually Schaap turned out to be my unexpected favourite of the bunch.

A really, really good practice for Lent!
Profile Image for Cara Meredith.
Author 3 books50 followers
March 31, 2018
I suppose it’s kind of cheating to finish this the day before Easter, as intended, but I loved it too much. For those interested in personal perspectives on the liturgical background to the Lenten season, pick it up, pick it up nowwwwww.
6 reviews4 followers
April 23, 2019
Educational and Spiritual

I have learned so much about the history of lenton, as well as how it is celebrated and honored in various places..and very well supported with scripture. Will read again next year to soak in more!
Profile Image for Lisa Beth Hutchins.
128 reviews
April 8, 2021
I am indebted to this book for introducing me to the beauty of reading the Biblical liturgy text every day, especially during Lent. The accompanying essays were okay. I imagine the art version is amaizing. I thought that was what I was buying 😊
Profile Image for Joseph Mole.
51 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2014
A visually beautiful collection of writings and artwork to guide the reader through Lent and Easter.
259 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2015
excellent essays, prayers, and paintings
Profile Image for Rev. Deb.
37 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2014
Beautiful art combined with thoughtful reflections on the Bible and lectionary for the Lenten season. This is one that I will return to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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