Small Surrenders: A Lenten Journey

by Emilie Griffin

A guide to Lent invites spiritual observance and a willingness to be transformed by grace, offering new insights into various aspects of Lent--the "small surrenders" believers make throughout the season. Original.

Genres: Nonfiction, Devotional, Faith, Spirituality, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity

249 pages, Hardcover

First published January 31, 2008

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

this Lent just ended.

It comprises 40 devotions, each one to two pages in length, all headed with a quote that provides the essence of the theme for that particular day. Griffin writes tenderly and invitingly to experience the 'small surrenders' of one's journey with Jesus in this season. It's her premise that it's the small surrenders we make everyday that draws us closer to God and I believe that's true.

Griffin was very well read which adds to this series of devotions. In addition, Griffin worked for many years in advertising which gives her added perspective. This can be a rare experience for devotional authors and I appreciated it.

I'm very pleased I chose to read this book this season and I expect I'll look up Griffin's other works simply because she has such a lovely gentle manner in her writing.

[Liz Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite Lenten devotion! It is a treasure to come back to each year! I first discovered the author through another beloved devotional, Benson's Disciplines for the Inner Life which was recommended by my pastor. They share a common commitment and appreciation of prior generations of Christian scholars but are also written in a very relatable daily fashion. Her emphasis on the multiplication of small surrenders throughout the 40 days of Lent has revolutionized my appreciation for the process of self examination and the joy of surrender inspired by the Cross and Resurrection!

[tracy kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Lenten Devotional

Even though I am not Catholic, I enjoyed this devotional. It daily directed me to Jesus and showed me small ways to surrender each day of lent. I am sorry it is finished.

[Keri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some days were better then others.

[William Stanger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was our read for Lent this year. It was an enjoyable read with some great quotes from writers both new and old.

[Tiffanie Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Lenten devotional and I really enjoyed it! Simple yet profound reading for each day in Lent. Just read the Easter Devo this morning, Happy Easter, He is risen indeed!

[Greta Ernst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent prayer book for the Lenten season.

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite Lenten devotionals. 2025 is the 8th time I’ve read through this one.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was trying to pray daily when Lent started, and while I didn't quite get there (although I'm much improved in the last 2 months), this book gave me an almost daily discipline to sit down once I awoke in the morning and devote a little time to God. Sitting and meditating is one of the hardest things to do--yoga taught me that--while physically being one of the easiest things to do! But while I didn't always succeed at that, at least this book with its short practically applicable (and with historical perspective) chapters at least kept me on the right path. I liked her writing style, her reference to Christian authors of yore, and her way of zeroing in on what's important each day. I"ll probably pick it up again next year for Lent unless I find something else I want to do!

[K Riley]

Just purchased this book today at a book reading with the author. I met Emilie Griffin as a fellow member of a local writers' guild. I have found her generosity of spirit and heart to be most striking. As an aspiring writer, she has encouraged and inspired me to pursue my craft and, in such a short while, nurtured in me the confidence to persevere. Can't wait to begin reading her books and writing my own.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This small devotional gives life examples of the small ways (which add up to big ways) that we can surrender ourselves daily to the love of God. Read prayerfully, it is a good way to reflect and examine yourself and the choices you make daily, and whether those choices are bringing you closer or taking you further from God. I enjoyed this devotional during Lent, but would also recommend it for any time of year.

[Jenni Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was much better than other Lenten books I read in past years. Griffin's essays are well-written, sparse, and straightforward, leading you to ponder the meaning of each day in Lent rather than focus on her writing. She did reference poets and other subjects, but only to enhance Scripture. Very good.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good Lenten read. It provided a place to start in meditating on what this season can bring for us with regard to permanent change. Some readings were very insightful and gave me much to consider others lacked depth. Griffin's style is more conversational and less biblical than I prefer but there was much to consider here none-the-less.

[Benjamin]

This was my first foray into devotional books for Lent (discovered at a favorite bookstore by hap).

At the time I started reading, it felt "too Catholic" for me; I was an adolescent too consumed with defending his thread-bare evangelical Lutheran orthodoxy to give much of an ear.

I wonder what I would hear this time around (2013).

[SuzanneG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Lenten read

[Ramarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this as a devotional through Lent. It was really moving on some days, enlightening on others...really a great little book that I may use again next year.

[Glenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have utilized this wonderful little books for several years for Lent

[Loy · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a wonderful Lenten journey! --

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent spiritual book. Would like to reread during every Lent.

[Helen Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emilie Griffin is one of my favorite authors. This was a wonderful daily journey through Lent. I will visit again as it deserves re-reading.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent book of lenten readings.