If we are honest with ourselves I think most of us would admit that we get dry times in our prayer life. We find ourselves drifting away from spending time with God’s word-other things just have a habit of getting in the way. Lent can be a terrific way of reinvigorating our “quiet time”. There’s an idea that Lent is about “giving up stuff”. Of course fasting (from all sorts of things, not necessarily food) can be an incredibly powerful spiritual discipline, but we can also use this time to draw closer to God in other ways. Some people commit to a form of giving or service. Reading a new book for Lent can also be a great way of deepening our relationship. A writer’s unquenchable enthusiasm for God’s kingdom has a way of inspiring us and getting things back into perspective when we have grown weary. Stories of God’s spirit working through apparently impossible situations are heartening and encourage us to trust more. Who knows, we might even find God calling us to start something new?

There are many great books specifically for Lent focused on daily scripture reading and reflection, and many with themes that speak to us personally. Of course there are lots more books to encourage or invigorate a scripture reading discipline that are not just for Lent. Any of these can be richly rewarding, not just because they are well written and interesting, but because any route back into God’s word will be transformative, unleashing and healing, however we got there. Indeed, any Christian book can be life enhancing for that very reason.

So what to choose? When browsing the shelves you might be drawn to an area in which you already know you need encouragement or equipping. Sometimes though, it’s helpful to remember that balance and growth is often achieved by building up those areas we tend to neglect. The contemplatives amongst us, for example, might gain more from a book by an activist e.g. Nevertheless, by john Kirkby, the founder of Christians Against Poverty, or the inspiringly titled If You Want To Walk On Water, You’ve Got To Get Out Of The Boat by John Ortberg. Christians who struggle with the idea of two-way prayer might find Joyce Huggett’s Listening to God or Sister Wendy’s delightful introduction to prayer a good way in. If you tend to spend a lot of time in service because you are aware of God’s love for others, have you considered a book that focuses on His love for you? In Lent, of course, we are making space and time to draw closer to a God to whom we are more precious than we can possibly imagine. We are also drawing closer to a God who’s kingdom is perfection, and reading anything that pulls us back into contemplating His Word will inspire us to action against poverty, injustice and all that spoils and corrupts His purposes.

For the app users, check out Youversion, the free bible app downloadable from itunes with a wide variety of bible reading plans.

Whatever you choose  off the bookshelves this month, I hope you have a rich and deeply nurturing Lent. Who knows, it might lead to a regular book review feature in the magazine?

Jackie MacRostie