Jesus, Friend of My Soul: Reflections for the Lenten Journey

by Joyce Rupp

Bestselling author and beloved retreat leader Joyce Rupp has offered companionship and gentle guidance throughout the seasons in such books as May I Have This Dance? and Anchors for the Soul. In Jesus, Friend of My Soul, each two-page daily reflection brings our attention to the Lenten season, providing reflections for growth and inviting us to follow Jesus and become more like him.

“As Christians,” Joyce Rupp writes, “we look to the person of Jesus to learn from him.” Because our lives are filled to the brim with activity, it is easy to drift away from trying to live as Jesus did, and we find ourselves in need of time to focus on drawing close to him again and learning from his example. In Jesus, Friend of My Soul, Rupp guides us from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday illustrating both how Jesus called his followers to change and how his actions provide us a blueprint for growth.

Rupp helps us learn from the qualities of Jesus and the actions and teachings that marked his time on earth,

how Jesus extended mercy after Peter’s denialshow Jesus trusted in his Father, even as he experienced other emotions when troubling events occurredhow Jesus spoke and acted with integrity, which made him a valuable and trustworthy person for others to listen to and follow  Each day’s reflection begins with a verse from scripture and a meditation centered on Jesus’ life, actions, and teachings that are applied to our lives. We are then offered a prayer and an intention to carry with us throughout the day. Each brief reflection gently leads us to new growth in our lives and invites us to reach new depths in our faith. Questions for individual or group study are included.

Genres: Catholic, Christian

129 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2020

About the author

Joyce Rupp is well known for her work as a writer, a spiritual "midwife," and retreat and conference speaker. She has led retreats throughout North America, as well as in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Joyce has a B.A. in English, a M.R.E. in Religious Education, and a M.A. in Transpersonal Psychology. She is a member of the Servites (Servants of Mary) community and was a volunteer for Hospice for fifteen years. She currently resides in Des Moines, Iowa. A list of Joyce's works can be found in the left column of this page. Click on the book title to find out more information about that title.

Reviews

[Melike · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we read the Gospels attentively, we understand who Jesus is and how he lived his sinless life. Joyce Rupp writes, “The traits of Jesus’s divinity reside within his human existence." We can look to Jesus to learn how to live a grace-filled life. Rupp guides us to do that in Jesus, Friend of My Soul. Each day during Lent an inspiring attribute from the teachings of Jesus is presented with an opening verse from the Bible about that attribute and ending with a beautiful and heartfelt prayer. In the introduction of the book, Rupp gives the readers reflection questions that can be discussed in a group or individually each week of Lent. This is a wonderful contemplative book for the season of Lent.

Thank you to Net Galley and Ave Maria Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Janis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose Jesus, Friend of My Soul: Reflections for the Lenten Journey for my Lenten practice this year. Author Joyce Rupp examines the qualities of Jesus in thoughtful and meaningful daily devotions. Each one includes a Bible passage, reflection, prayer, and suggested intention. I found this to be an inspiring way to observe Lent and highly recommend this guide for your own Lenten practice.

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, loved it. I read this daily for each day of Lent. The questions for reflection were perfect to take me deeper into the daily readings and prayer.

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Joyce Rupp and I must say this was one of the best books I’ve ever read during Lent. Each day I would light a candle, make a pot of tea, read and reflect on her passage for the day, and say the Rosary. Often I would have a ginger snap or two. It made for one of my favorite times of the day. Her words seem to come straight from God to me. Each passage was one I could apply to my daily life. I was sorry to come to the end of the book.

[Lucinda Vinoski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A day by day Lenten devotional that is excellent for thought and meditation providing for spiritual growth. Along with other reading, it is always beneficial to include spiritual reading any time of the year.

I have previewed this early (before Lent) and found it to be nice short daily pieces that were edifying.

[Linda Clewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent guide for getting to know Jesus and following his examples by reflecting on his virtues. Through Scripture and prayer, Joyce Rupp prompts us to see these virtues in ourselves and to live them more fully. Reflections that can be prayed on the Lenten journey and any time of the year.

[Don Meincke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding Lenten devotional guide

I very much enjoyed this book and it helped me immensely to keep focused during Lent. With all the turmoil in the world,it was very helpful that these devotions helped me start each day on a positive note and put me in a more caring attitude.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent journey through Lent. It helped to keep focus in difficult times.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have gained much from Joyce Rupp's writing in several of her books, and that proved true of this one as well. This Lent was definitely like no other, so I was both comforted and enlightened by her words each day as I learned how to deal with the challenges of online masses and celebrating Holy Week at home. I look forward to reading it in future Lents as well and continuing to learn from her wisdom.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book. And because it's obviously a "Lenten" journey, I haven't finished reading it yet, but I wanted to share my initial thoughts on it in the hopes that it helps other readers decide if they would like to read it as well during the upcoming Lenten season.

What I've experienced so far is a very easy read with nice daily devotionals that are inspiring and filled with gospel passages. The blurb indicates that Ms. Rupp "helps us connect with Jesus not only as a teacher, healer, and counselor . . . but also as “the Way” in whom we abide in divine love." I couldn't agree more -- each devotional is concise, clear and thought-provoking and leads you to want to read more of Jesus's words. I'm sure I'll be enjoying these daily devotionals in the upcoming Lenten season.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reader for Lent can be used alone or in a small group. There are questions at the end of the book to encourage you.
The book encourages Christians to become more like Christ with attributes such as One who promotes Justice and One who chooses Wisely.
Quick to read but with a challenge for each day such as 'I make decisions that you come from my best self'.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleased to be invited to review this book for the publisher, Ave Maria Press. Joyce Rupp never disappoints as a well-known author and spiritual midwife. Her reflections on Jesus as friend is far different than one would expect, for her definition of friendship is deep and wide and rich. The qualities and attributes of the Christ who reconciles, lives kindly, extends mercy and is humble is a work for these contentious, painful days. I highly recommend it.

[Dawn Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked Joyce Rupp's Jesus, Guide of My Life. Although I read it before Lent, I plan to re-read again during Lent. It has great scripture, reflections for applying scripture to real life, and wonderful suggestions for each day. It's a good I envision myself using year after year as I'm always in a different place in my spiritual journey.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Joyce Rupp and devour her books. This was a very calming, peaceful, inspiring book for Lent. Her words bring me closer to God, as she writes about love, wisdom, inner peace, and listening. She illuminates God’s presence in the things we experience each day and her words make everything we do seem like a beautiful prayer.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of a series of three books, and once again, Joyce Rupp doesn’t disappoint. Her no Lenten reflections are so meaningful and beautiful. Highly recommend. She speaks to my heart every time.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of a series of three books, and once again, Joyce Rupp doesn’t disappoint. Her no Lenten reflections are so meaningful and beautiful. Highly recommend. She speaks to my heart every time.