The Little Black Book: Lent 2026: Meditations on the Passion According to Mark

by Bishop Ken Untener, Erin Looby-Carlson (Editor), MaryBeth O'Connor (Illustrator)

In this time of waiting and anticipation, prepare your heart by spending time with God each day of Lent. The Little Black Book guides you through this season with short devotionals that will inspire you. This year's Lent book focuses on the Meditations on the Passion According to Mark, and begins February 15, 2026.

Little Books of the Diocese of Saginaw is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging people to pray for 6 minutes a day during the liturgical seasons.

Conceived and developed by the late Bishop Ken Untener of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan, the Little Black Book debuted in 2000 as a Lenten reflection and quickly became a staple for individuals and congregations throughout the Midwest. As demand grew, so too did Little Books, which now includes the Little Blue Book for the Advent/Christmas season and the Little White Book for the Easter season, along with titles for Stewardship and children, and other writings.

Each Little Book is faithfully written to correspond with seasonal themes and features daily scriptural-based lessons along with interesting facts about Catholic traditions, saints, notable people and symbolism.


©2025 Little Books of the Diocese of Saginaw (P)2025 Little Books of the Diocese of Saginaw

Genres: Catholic, Religion

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2025

Reviews

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the stories in this book! It was so easy to read and understand. Great reflections.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy these...especially the left side about saints or other biblical persons.

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t imagine Lent without my little black book. It’s a staple and I treasure it.

[John E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Book for Observing Lent

The Little Black book contains daily meditations during the Lent period. It begins the Sunday before Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. Each day contains a brief meditation based on a verse from the Gospel of Mark. Each story is interesting and only takes about five minutes to read. It is a great book to read during Lent.

[morgan keyz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Easter Companion

Simple and powerful, this daily devotional concentrates the heart and soul on the journey through Lent toward Easter in a meaningful and simple way. It is a great companion.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this is primarily a prayer guide, but I enjoy the anecdotes that go along with each day. This is the fourth such book I have obtained (through the generosity of an anonymous fellow parishioner), and I’ve already gotten dependent on them. 😃

[Maygon Brack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time using these books and I loved it so much that I plan to add these to my seasonal devotionals each time now!! I already have the Easter one that starts tomorrow!! They’re simple, but yet so profound!!

[Janis Palcovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you!

I have been reading the little black books of Lent for many years. This year's was the very best. It was relevant, informative and written so simply. Lent has always been my favorite "season" and the little black book added to the enjoyment.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Outstanding Lenten Companion

Highly recommend this Lenten companion prayer guide preparing for Easter. This series of Catholic meditation guides are an outstanding resource to prepare for each Catholic season such as Easter .

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m glad I committed to this book and proud that I kept up with it. Some of the devotions were worth while, but others seemed more random and just stories of Saints. I don’t think I’ll be using the little black book next year for Lenten reflection.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

An annual treasure I am blessed to find. This year, it was gifted to me and it made my mornings extra peaceful. A beautiful little daily reflection about Lent, the meaning of struggle, and rising again.

[Vicki Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book on a table of Lenten resources offered by my parish. What an amazing opportunity to pray and sit with the Passion according to Mark in the prayer tradition of lectio divina.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect prayer each day

I love these books and have prayed with them each year for a long time. I look forward to them.

[Cynthia Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these daily verses to add to my daily prayers.

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Integral to my devotion during our yearly Lenten journey

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a great reflective experience for Lent.

[Leo Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS GIFT CONTINUES TO BLESS EVERY SEASON!!!☦️🙏❤️💕

[Silvana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and digestible way to learn more about my religion while doing a devotional. Starting the Easter one tomorrow

[Zak Tobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a good supplement to Lent. The stories are entertaining and the message is great. It’s a walk through that works and is a quick daily read. Fun, quick, easy way to reflect.

[David Boll · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice daily habit during Lent, but I thought many of the reflections were a bit shallow.

[Dianne Krueger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A handy journal for Lenten 6 weeks of study.

[Lisette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read some of the daily reflections and meditations in this book during Lent, especially toward the end during Holy Week.

[Teresita_Wonderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grateful I get this little book for free at church every year.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect daily reflection book for Lent! I loved how each day had a different short story and reflection about a different historical figure/saints and a Gospel passage. Will definitely pick this booklet up each Lent moving forward.