In many ways, Lent is a more difficult period for selecting devotional readings than Advent is. The biblical themes surrounding Advent are clear, but until you get to Holy Week, Lent seems less clearly defined. Its overall theme of preparation to celebrate the Passion and especially the Resurrection is clear, and historical traditions of fasting and abstinence continue to be practiced to some extent (though poorly understood), but for those who want to celebrate the season, what should we do devotionally? In this post, I highlight two books that take you thoughtfully through the season.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of Lent and the fasting and abstinence that has traditionally accompanied it. I cover that in this post. And for an introduction to the practice of fasting, click here.