Make the most of Lent this year
tle bit of mental exercise and your mind to a little bit of spiritual challenge.
Williams writes: “I want to capture something of what Lewis is trying to do in communicating – to a world that frequently thinks it knows what faith is – the character, the feel, of a real experience of surrender in the face of absolute incarnate love.” This seems to be the aim of both authors. The former Archbishop of Canterbury and Hilary Brand easily achieve this aim and their books are a valuable addition to the canon of books on the works of Lewis. THE GOSPEL IN THE WILLOWS Leslie J Francis DLT In an original and enchanting book, Leslie Francis has drawn out the wisdom embedded in Kenneth Grahame’s classic, The Wind in the Willows. The 40 daily readings and meditations can be used through Lent, weaving the classic story into a profoundly Christian pattern that glows with spiritual truths.
The journey down the river with Ratty and Mole is said to be a revelation for Jesus Christ – their fellow traveller in the meditations and prayers.
This fusion of the Edwardian novel and New Testament is bound to delight and teach you throughout the period. FINDING A VOICE Hilary Brand DLT Finding a Voice is a new Lent course based around five weekly sessions – ideal for group sessions. The course takes the film The King’s Speech as a starting point for an exploration into the ways fear holds us back, examining how to overcome fear to find an authentic voice.
Each session includes extracts from the film, group discussion questions, exercises and meditations. To extend the course throughout the whole of the Lent period, short introductory and follow-up chapters are also included, with Bible passages for individual reading during the week. Leaders are also given full, clear notes for running this course. LENT IS FOR LOVING Sheila Cassidy DLT “Lent is not just about denial,” Sheila Cassidy says. The author uses this book, which guides readers through Lent, to stress that Christianity is not a blueprint for repression, but for joy. Jesus said ‘I have come that you may have life and have it to the full’, so these short chapters, suitable for individual reading or group study, consider what the word Lent means for Christians today.
This popular writer on pastoral care and personal growth once again produces a book to further readers’ personal
understanding of God and how to best live Lent. CHRIST AND THE CHOCOLATERIE Hilary Brand DLT Though many people choose to give up chocolate during Lent, this lively course uses the inspiration of the film Chocolat as the starting point for examining the issues about God, the world, and what it means to be human. The five group sessions included in this book tackle the prelude of change, the power of a gift, the possibility of change, the power of acceptance and the process of change. The inclusion of appendices on the curious history of chocolate, the unfair economics and ideas for a chocolate feast, this original take on courses that many Christians undertake each year is bound to refresh and delight. FEAST + FAST Christina Rees DLT Begin a spiritual and culinary exploration this Lenten period with Christina Rees, looking at the traditions of feasting and fasting during Lent and Easter. Examining the significance of our daily meals and including recipes for quick but satisfying breakfasts, lunches and dinners throughout the 40 days as well as ideas for Easter, this is a Lent book with a difference.