Lenten Reading Suggestions

Lent is approaching quickly. I’ve been giving consideration to spiritual reading for myself and for the adult faith formation group in the parish. Here are my recommendations for this year, with brief descriptions. 

Are you looking to begin a habit of prayer, desiring to deepen your prayer-life, or just hoping to find a “different” type of prayer book?:

1. Into the Deep: Finding Peace Through Prayer (Dan Burke). This short book presents a simple seven-step approach to daily mental prayer. It is outstanding for anyone just beginning a daily habit of mental prayer and goes from “why pray” to “experiencing God in prayer.”  
2. The Contemplative Rosary (Dan Burke and Connie Rossini). These two authors teamed up to author this book on the “new way” of praying the Rosary encouraged by Pope St. John Paul II. New to the Rosary, or a Rosary-veteran, this book is for you! 
3. A Guide to Christian Meditation (Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D). Another short book aimed at helping the pray-er enter into a habit of daily meditation and the journey toward intimacy with God. 
4. The Better Part (Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D). The beginning of this “Christ-centered resource” gives the reader a section on the “Fundamentals of Christian Meditation.” The bulk of the pages, though, are guided meditations on the four Gospels. One wouldn’t be able to get through the entirety during Lent, but it is an excellent resource for beginning and maintaining a habit of scriptural meditation.  
5. Treasures Old and New/Treasures Holy and Mystical (Philip Neri Powell, OP). These two small volumes offer a unique perspective on time-honored prayer styles such as litanies and novenas. If you find prayer-books too reliant on emotion for your taste, try the prayers encased within these lovely covers. (They are out of print, but you can still find them used.) 
6. The Practice of the Presence of God (Br. Lawrence of the Resurrection). This marvelous little book leads the reader into the simple and life-changing practice of being aware of God’s presence throughout one’s daily life. Highly recommended. 
7. Imitation of Christ (Thomas a’ Kempis). A spiritual classic, this volume is divided into four parts with multiple short readings in each section. It may be too long to complete prayerfully during Lent, but it guides the serious Christian toward a life oriented away from the world and toward God. 

If Spiritual Warfare interest you this year: 

1. Slaying Dragons (Charles d Fraune). This book helps the reader to see the spiritual war which is raging all around. The author draws information from leading exorcists and presents it in a readable manner. Absolutely essential topic for those of us living in the world who are serious about our spiritual life.  
2. The Spiritual Combat (Lorenzo Scupoli). This is the book I will be using for the adult faith formation group during Lent. I have not read it, but it is well-known, and its secondary title is “How to win your spiritual battles and attain inner peace.”  

If you are looking for general spiritual reading, or something specific to the Cross and the Passion: 

1. Searching for and Maintaining Peace (Fr. Jacques Phillipe). An excellent little book which offers actionable and simple aids to help the reader leave daily anxiety behind and embrace “peace of heart.” (I recommend any book authored by Fr. Phillipe for spiritual reading.) 
2. The Cross and the Beatitudes (Fulton Sheen). This work takes the seven last words of Christ and joins them with the Beatitudes. Archbishop Sheen ties each “word” directly to one Beatitude.  
3. The Sacred Passion (Luis de la Palma). My read for this Lent. Another classic work, the reader is taken on a meditative journey through Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. It is written in the style of an extended Ignatian prayer (meditation using the imagination) and offer insights and thoughts one may not have considered previously. 
4. Behold the Pierced One (Joseph Ratzinger – Pope Benedict XVI). For the serious student of theology, Cardinal Ratzinger presents a meditative and intriguing view of our crucified Savior. It is equal parts profound and enlightening.