Prone to Wander

by Joanna Harader, Michelle Burkholder (illustrator)

God meets us in the wilderness. Though most of us have never wandered a literal desert for forty years, we have all spent some time wandering in a wilderness of one kind or another. So, too, have many women across the pages of the Bible. In their stories of doubt and questioning, of dryness and distance, we can find guideposts for the inevitable wilderness periods in our own lives. As we enter into the wilderness season of the church year, this Lenten devotional by Joanna Harader explores the stories of thirty biblical women—from Eve to Mary Magdalene—who had their own such experiences. For some, the women inhabited a literal wilderness. For others, their wilderness was metaphorical. All were drawn closer to God, who does not leave us to wander alone. ​ Embark on a Lenten journey with these women in the wilderness through daily reflections, prayer practices, and questions, as well as Sunday blessings accompanied by beautiful hand-cut paper artwork by Michelle Burkholder. From the author of Expecting Emmanuel, Prone to Wander provides resources for using the book in group and worship settings. As you consider these women who inhabited a swath of wilderness spaces, draw closer to the God who met them—and meets you—there.

Genres: Religion, Church

216 pages, Paperback

Published January 7, 2025

Reviews

[Daniellehullreads · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only made it to the second devotional before I found content that isn't supported biblically. The supposition by this author directly contradicts scripture, specifically Genesis 1:27, that "male and female He created them."

Author's thoughts:
"The Hebrew word translated in Genesis as "man" before the woman is created is a different word than translated as "man" after the woman is created. The first term, Adam, can be read as gender-neutral: the human. So I invite you to consider this first human as many-gendered. The person whom God forms from the dust and breathes life into (Genesis 2:7) encompasses the fullness of humanity. As the first human carries no particular gender identity, they therefore carry all genders. And so we see that women have been in the wilderness since creation."

Let me clarify, that as the author says the term "adam" can be gender-neutral, it is often translated "people" or human beings," to include both men and women, NOT that "the first human is many-gendered."

This devotional does not have a biblical worldview, and I will not be reading further. Do NOT recommend. I received an eARC from NetGalley. Opinions are my own.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a true treasure and such a great resource to use in the observation of Lent. The devotions are comforting, encouraging and thought provoking. There are applicable suggestions for activities and prayers. The author does a great job of highlighting women who played significant roles in the Biblical narrative and yet are often nameless and unmentioned in typical church sermons. That said, this not a book meant only for women as the lessons apply to both women and men of all ages. I look forward to using this book again and am recommending it to family and friends.

[Bobbi Kraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful for this Lenten devotional that starts before lent begins and ends during Eastertide. Love that it has resources for group activities. Next year, I’ll use this as a group resource because it was SO good!

[Jessica Hembree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Lenten devotional is very well laid out. Each weekday starts with the reading of a scripture, followed by a reflection. There are then sections to encourage you to connect to the lesson and consider its application and significance. Each Sunday has a blessing that reflects on the week’s lessons. There is also a detailed guide near the end to allow for a group to use this book for study together. While I don’t practice Lent, I was encouraged by the lives of the women mentioned and learned a number of interesting things while reading. I would definitely recommend-read this devotional again in the future.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled through a solid two weeks of this devotional. Disappointingly, the Holy Week readings are slim to none. The author provides the idea that they’re intentionally short to allow for more prayer and reflection, but honestly it felt like lazy writing and I had to heavily supplement to feed my week in a prayerful way. My favorite part of this book is the artwork and end of week blessing. They’re beautifully written and really the art is mesmerizing when you allow yourself to study it, as the author and illustrator suggest. Some of the prompts are nice incorporations into daily life but many of them are just offhand questions you might ask a friend quickly. As a whole, this book poses some great overarching reflection on what a season of wilderness looks like now and allowed me to relate to biblical women, but it really was lacking in content.

[Melinda Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely Lenten devotional that includes readings through the second Sunday of Easter, to navigate the transition from one season to another. There is also a small group study guide, and tools for using in worship and for small retreats. It's a wonderful guide for worship and personal devotion, from Lent to Easter, and a guide through springtime. The artwork that accompanies each week is also lovely and inspiring.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate Harader’s challenges to typical Protestant understandings as we think about women in the Bible and about wilderness from a more feminist perspective. She highlights the ways God empowers women as worthy partners rather than the viewpoint that usually downplays women as subservient and second-rate. Good stuff!