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Rise: An Authentic Lenten Devotional
In this new Lenten devotional, popular progressive Christian author John Pavlovitz ( An Honest Advent Devotional) once again takes us on a transformative spiritual journey. Like the human experience, the spiritual journey is not a level path. It is about the falling and the rising. We allow our hopes to rise when we are in the middle of the struggle. We wait for the sun to rise, knowing that joy comes in the morning. We rise to our feet after falling to our knees in desperate prayer. We rise when we are knocked from our feet, persistent in this. We rise to meet the coming day, knowing we are held by a Love that will have the last word. RISE is a 40-day journey of elevated hopes and ascending spirits. Each entry includes scripture, a reflection, and a prayer.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2022
55 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
John Pavlovitz
13 books227 followersJohn Pavlovitz is an American Unitarian pastor and author, known for his social and political writings from a post modern Unitarian universalist perspective.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 3, 2022
Note: I received a copy of this to review. All opinions are my own.
While Lent is traditionally 40 days, the entire Lenten season is 46 days when including Sundays (feast days). Pavlovitz recognizes that Christians interested in a daily Lenten devotion come from different faith backgrounds. He wants this book to be accessible to all, including those who don’t have a tradition of feast days.
Each day begins with a passage from one of the Gospels, followed by a reflection. Most days end with some sort of encouragement, like a challenge to think in a new way or reassurance that God’s grace still covers you.
In order to review this book at the beginning of Lent, I read the devotions over the course of a week. I will update my review at the end of Lent, after reading just a single devotion each day, and actually applying the encouragement.
Rise begins and ends with Matthew 28:1-10, when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb. By starting with the hope of the resurrection, Pavlovitz encourages believers to remember that our current-day struggles, no matter how dark or overwhelming, are not the end of the story. The closing devotion focuses on how the women felt after discovering Jesus had risen--"afraid yet filled with joy."
These two devotions perfectly encapsulate the Christian journey--really, the human journey--which Pavlovitz covers through the other 44 devotions. Even as believers, with our faith in Jesus, we still experience hardship and pain. Personally, one of the best weeks of my life was also the worst week of my life: the week after my mom died. Sorrow, grief, angst beyond words--but I also experienced joy with the rest of my immediate family, being present with each other, surrounded by the love of our extended family and community.
Each week of devotions covers a range of human emotions and experiences. Day 12 spoke directly to my grief. "Ever since my father died, I've really struggled with the story of Lazarus' resurrection." Yup, me too.
I started reading Rise prior to the Russia invasion of Ukraine, and I finished it the day after the war started. I have a feeling some of the earlier devotions will hit me differently as I read them one at a time. I know that some of the latter ones felt directly connected to how helpless I feel. Day 44 showed me I'm not alone in feeling impatient for the promises of Jesus.
If you are looking for an honest devotion to read during Lent (or really any time of year), I highly recommend Rise. The only reason for 4 stars is that I wanted reflection questions after each devotion. For Pavlovitz's Advent devotion, there's a discussion guide available for free on his website, and I hope he adds one for Rise.
While Lent is traditionally 40 days, the entire Lenten season is 46 days when including Sundays (feast days). Pavlovitz recognizes that Christians interested in a daily Lenten devotion come from different faith backgrounds. He wants this book to be accessible to all, including those who don’t have a tradition of feast days.
Each day begins with a passage from one of the Gospels, followed by a reflection. Most days end with some sort of encouragement, like a challenge to think in a new way or reassurance that God’s grace still covers you.
In order to review this book at the beginning of Lent, I read the devotions over the course of a week. I will update my review at the end of Lent, after reading just a single devotion each day, and actually applying the encouragement.
Rise begins and ends with Matthew 28:1-10, when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb. By starting with the hope of the resurrection, Pavlovitz encourages believers to remember that our current-day struggles, no matter how dark or overwhelming, are not the end of the story. The closing devotion focuses on how the women felt after discovering Jesus had risen--"afraid yet filled with joy."
These two devotions perfectly encapsulate the Christian journey--really, the human journey--which Pavlovitz covers through the other 44 devotions. Even as believers, with our faith in Jesus, we still experience hardship and pain. Personally, one of the best weeks of my life was also the worst week of my life: the week after my mom died. Sorrow, grief, angst beyond words--but I also experienced joy with the rest of my immediate family, being present with each other, surrounded by the love of our extended family and community.
Each week of devotions covers a range of human emotions and experiences. Day 12 spoke directly to my grief. "Ever since my father died, I've really struggled with the story of Lazarus' resurrection." Yup, me too.
I started reading Rise prior to the Russia invasion of Ukraine, and I finished it the day after the war started. I have a feeling some of the earlier devotions will hit me differently as I read them one at a time. I know that some of the latter ones felt directly connected to how helpless I feel. Day 44 showed me I'm not alone in feeling impatient for the promises of Jesus.
If you are looking for an honest devotion to read during Lent (or really any time of year), I highly recommend Rise. The only reason for 4 stars is that I wanted reflection questions after each devotion. For Pavlovitz's Advent devotion, there's a discussion guide available for free on his website, and I hope he adds one for Rise.
April 23, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Chalice Press for the electronic version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read this devotional during most of Lent 2022. I enjoyed it, but quickly realized that it was the first time I had tried to read a devotional that was not for a specific year—it had numbered passages instead of dates. I had trouble keeping track, and was still reading it after Easter.
I did like the format—a biblical passage followed by a personal reflection. The only thing I missed that some other devotionals have had was a daily prayer. I appreciated references to personal struggles involving depression and loss, as well as timely references to the pandemic.
I would definitely recommend this devotional, but if I had a hard copy, I would definitely write in the calendar dates for the year I was reading it!
I read this devotional during most of Lent 2022. I enjoyed it, but quickly realized that it was the first time I had tried to read a devotional that was not for a specific year—it had numbered passages instead of dates. I had trouble keeping track, and was still reading it after Easter.
I did like the format—a biblical passage followed by a personal reflection. The only thing I missed that some other devotionals have had was a daily prayer. I appreciated references to personal struggles involving depression and loss, as well as timely references to the pandemic.
I would definitely recommend this devotional, but if I had a hard copy, I would definitely write in the calendar dates for the year I was reading it!
April 3, 2022
Rise
An Authentic Lenten Devotional
by John Pavlovitz
Pub Date 04 Jan 2022 | Archive Date 31 Mar 2022
Chalice Press
Christian | Religion & Spirituality | Self-Help
I am reviewing a copy of Rise:An Authentic Lenten Journal through Clarice Press and Netgalley:
In this New Lenten Devotional popular progressive Christian author John Pavlovitz (LOW: An Honest Advent Devotional) once again takes us on a transformative spiritual journey. We are reminded The Spiritual journey like the human experience is not a level path. It Is about falling and rising. We allow our hopes to rise when we are in the middle of the struggle. We sit for sunrise knowing that Joy comes in the morning.
We rise to meet the coming day, knowing we are held by a Love that will have the last word. RISE is a 40-day journey of elevated hopes and ascending spirits. Each entry includes scripture, a reflection, and a prayer.
I give Rise, five out of five stars
Happy Reading!
An Authentic Lenten Devotional
by John Pavlovitz
Pub Date 04 Jan 2022 | Archive Date 31 Mar 2022
Chalice Press
Christian | Religion & Spirituality | Self-Help
I am reviewing a copy of Rise:An Authentic Lenten Journal through Clarice Press and Netgalley:
In this New Lenten Devotional popular progressive Christian author John Pavlovitz (LOW: An Honest Advent Devotional) once again takes us on a transformative spiritual journey. We are reminded The Spiritual journey like the human experience is not a level path. It Is about falling and rising. We allow our hopes to rise when we are in the middle of the struggle. We sit for sunrise knowing that Joy comes in the morning.
We rise to meet the coming day, knowing we are held by a Love that will have the last word. RISE is a 40-day journey of elevated hopes and ascending spirits. Each entry includes scripture, a reflection, and a prayer.
I give Rise, five out of five stars
Happy Reading!
April 19, 2025
I have come to greatly appreciate, and be challenged, by the writing of Mr Pavlovitz. Having left behind the sickness and ugliness of his fundamentalist/evangelical upbringing and early ministry, he continues to present the message of Jesus in ways which truly reflect the gospel texts. His words offer comfort but also challenge. Several days do not leave the reader 'feeling good,' but rather, convicted and astounded by the message of Christ. This is not tied to a particular year of the Lectionary; it could be a great resource for any Lenten season. For those who wish to take a deeper journey in the annual preparation for Easter, I would highly commend this resource.
April 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love a good devotional but it can be difficult to find one that is not super evangelical. (No hate if that’s your theology, but it isn’t mine). I follow this author on social media, so I knew our theology aligned. This was a solid Lenten journey and I’m glad I chose this to have some structured Lenten reflections this year. I gave it four stars because in comparison to other devotionals I’ve LOVED (thank you Kate Bowler and Sarah Bessey) this one didn’t quite hit that mark. Still, it was a good way to plug in to Lent.
April 16, 2022
For Lent this year, I decided to keep this by my alarm clock and read each morning before I got up. The 46 devotionals, which I began Ash Wednesday and finished the day before Easter, were easily read in a few minutes each but had powerful, thoughtful challenges to my attitudes and helped me set intentions for the day. The tone is consistent with his other books and blog posts, though a little softer. I look forward to reading this again next year.
April 6, 2022
John never disappoints
John Pavlovitz is so authentic. You never wonder if he has an agenda or is hiding something. You always know where he stands -- firmly on the side of love. He shares his struggles and doubts and each reader knows he's there with them and for them in theirs. Highly recommended!
John Pavlovitz is so authentic. You never wonder if he has an agenda or is hiding something. You always know where he stands -- firmly on the side of love. He shares his struggles and doubts and each reader knows he's there with them and for them in theirs. Highly recommended!
June 5, 2025
It begins with the cross and works it way through the events that brought Crist there. There are pertinent Biblical stories followed by Pavlovitz's life experiences showing how his faith has been tested over his life. I found it uplifting as I can relate to some of the contents within and keep it to re-read it.
February 19, 2022
Excellent set of Lenten devotions. The author blends scripture and personal stories for a daily inspirational piece for use during the Lenten season of the church. This would also be good for other times of the year as well. I enjoyed this book and found it inspiring.
February 20, 2022
John Pavlovitz shares meaningful Scripture and incorporates personal stories and experiences to make this Devotional so relatable. For me those aspects are what make this "authentic". A wonderful journey for Lenten Season the reaffirm and renew our own sense of rising.
April 16, 2022
A Lenten Devotional - there was so much authenticity and vulnerability in Pavlovitz' writing.
So much honesty, with similar experiences.
This would be a good devotional at any time, but Lent is the best.
So much honesty, with similar experiences.
This would be a good devotional at any time, but Lent is the best.
April 17, 2022
Lovely devotional
This is the first devotional I have ever stuck with for the entirety. I learned a lot. I’m thankful for this author: his boldness, his commitment to equality and to teaching us lessons in the simplest of terms.
This is the first devotional I have ever stuck with for the entirety. I learned a lot. I’m thankful for this author: his boldness, his commitment to equality and to teaching us lessons in the simplest of terms.
April 18, 2022
I really enjoyed working through this series of short meditations throughout my Lent. It helped keep things in perspective. The format was straightforward and easy to follow.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advance copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advance copy!
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May 17, 2022Really solid and vulnerable. We read it as a book club, and a person in group shared, "I really appreciate how well I can connect with the author, especially in how he talks too openly about mental health."
February 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this book by John Pavlovitz. It was very well written and I would definitely recommend this to anyone.
April 17, 2022
Fabulous, honest, and transparent....typical and consistent Pavlovitz!
April 8, 2023
Just the right length for a Lenten Devotional. There was an overarching theme of taking a moment to reflect on yourself when we all are so busy judging others, in hopes we may set a bigger table.
March 1, 2024
I appreciated the brief daily devotions that I could fit in before diving into my day. I enjoyed how the author doesn’t limit the scripture to the passion story but includes the ministry of Christ.
March 26, 2024
This was a wonderful daily Devotional this Lent. I did finish a little early because I read 2 a day at the beginning,lol! I found it a great way to start the day.
April 19, 2025
not the meaningful or profound devotional I expected from John Pavlovitz, but it has a couple of nuggets of wisdom.
April 19, 2025
Loved moving through this devotional throughout the Lenten season. Thoughtful, challenging, and relevant for these days.
April 20, 2025
A good companion on my Lenten journey. This devotional gave me many things to contemplate - both comforting and challenging.
April 24, 2025
Nothing special but great short Lenten readings.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews