Return: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation

by John Burns, Josiah Henley (Illustrator)

Reorient your mind and heart this Lent so you can more fully experience the joy of Easter—Christ’s victory over sin and death. In this beautiful guided journal for prayer and meditation, Fr. John Burns—author of the bestselling and award-winning book Adore —invites you to strip away your confusion, attachments, and sin so you can return to the Lord and undergo real and lasting conversion. In the liturgy’s first reading on Ash Wednesday, the prophet Joel call us to wholehearted “Even now, says the Lord, return to me, with your whole heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning, rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God” (Jl 2:12–13). Each week throughout Lent, Burns breaks down these two   Then, during Holy Week and the Resurrection on Easter, you are invited to weave your own stories into that of the Paschal Mystery. Burns uses the opening prayer of each day’s Mass—called the Collect—as a starting point for your meditations through the forty days leading up to Easter Sunday. He also focuses on the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, which come together as our sacred penance during this solemn season, and ultimately lead us to heaven. Each day of Return includes the prayer from the Collect, an inspiring meditation, thought-provoking reflection questions, and a prayer. There’s plenty of space for journaling as well. Return features stunning original art by Josiah Henley of Heart of IESVS. Free weekly companion videos, a downloadable discussion guide, and other resources make this book perfect for parish-wide, individual, and book club use leading up to Easter.

Genres: Catholic

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2023

Reviews

[Rachel Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

(5⭐️) This was my main Lenten reading and reflection this year. Fr. John Burns is an excellent speaker and preacher and it comes out in his writing - short reflections that are to the point that help to break open this theme of returning to the Lord, based on the passage from the Prophet Joel which implores us to make a “wholehearted conversion” to the Lord. I also appreciated the attention given to the Collect (the opening prayer said at mass, before the readings) as the starting point for each day’s reflection. Truthfully I never paid too much attention to these opening prayers, and over the course of this Lent was introduced to its great richness and simplicity, and how it sets the tone for the readings to come and the Eucharistic sacrifice we participate in.

Though the Sunday readings will change each year, this journal is still one that can be used again and again, as there are so many dimensions of “rending our hearts” that we can reflect on.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

This was a very good Lenten devotional for me. I did one last year that I really liked as well, but after I read the daily reading, I unfortunately mostly forgot about what I'd read for the rest of the day. This one was different because:
1) it encouraged reading the daily Mass readings, so I was thinking about the Word that I'd read that day,
2) the daily devotional readings were mostly based on the daily readings (it's supposed to be useable for any Lent so there are suggested readings given at the top of each day's page) so it gave a reflection to guide my thoughts about the readings for the day, and
3) it's a Lent journal devotional, so there were probing questions to really dig deep at the darkest recesses of the heart to really expose everything to the Lord and His light, allowing Him to fill in those gaping holes which those unwanted hurts, sins, etc. left behind.

It was really beautiful, and I recommend for anyone wanting to make a little bit bigger commitment during Lent with a helpful guide. There are also Advent devotionals like these, so that's something to consider as well!

[Jennifer Keaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out a little rough for me but improved over time. For a daily devotional I don’t enjoy books that over complicate things by using language and flow that most people don’t ever use in conversing with people. I enjoy learning new words to broaden my vocabulary. However it felt pompous for a daily devotional. The tone improved over time and I did enjoy spending time with Jesus in prayer. The questions to ponder each day were good.

[Maria Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Spiritual Treasure

Return is, quite simply, a spiritual treasure. The book offers captivating meditations which provide much spiritual sustenance. I believe my experience of the season of Lent will be richly enhanced as a result of this superb work.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A journal I actually used every day of Lent! The reflections are thought provoking but not too long. Using the cited daily scripture readings helps deepen the experience for those who would like to include that.

[Brian Claassen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for reflecting during Lent. Day by day you’re challenged to work on your faith.

[Michaela Rossberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This changed my Lenten experience and I’m so thankful for this book! I highly recommend. Five stars from me. 😊

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the best Lenten book I've encountered that combines intelligent journaling questions, short but deep daily commentary, and scriptures to look up. All that and it is just beautiful!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend? Yes! Though anyone could read this, its audience is geared toward Catholics, and it is best read for its intended Lenten season. To get the most of out of this book, one should be ready to dedicate time in prayer each day.

Tied to the Catholic Church's daily readings during the Lenten season in addition to original journal prompts, Father Burns encourages one to examine their relationship with Jesus for 40 days and orients the reader to "return" to true devotion to Jesus Christ.

[Christian]

To date this is the absolute best Lenten journey book I took part of. The book is set up amazing to use in group settings whether it be with family or a group from Church. Each day is set up in the traditional fashion with the daily readings, a meditation but also includes the collect of the day which was a nice addition. There are three questions at the end of each day and plenty of space for writing in. Father John Burns insight and guidance were a real treat making this Lent especially memorable for our entire group. I will also add that the art work was very beautiful! I wasn't expecting to see any illustrations but they were a very nice touch. The art style was lovely and added some depth and appreciation for our Lord. I hope this becomes part of a series and is updated each year but if not I still recommend it for future Lent(s). The readings and collect may not be the same but that won't hurt you in any way.