Devotional Resources
We all wish we felt closer to God. Most of us wish we read the Bible more and prayed more. Lent is an excellent opportunity to do all that and more, simply by committing to spend 5-10 minutes each day reading a short scripture passage and reflection. Rather than trying to make it up on our own each day, devotional resources (a booklet, app, or daily e-mail) can make this discipline even easier. We’ve listed several great resources below for you to try.
BOOKLETS FOR LENT:
Central States Synod 2024 Devotional Booklet
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Lutherans in Missouri and Kansas (including some at Hosanna!) share their experiences of God so that you might see God more clearly in your own life.
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Download a PDF, read online, or sign up for daily texts here.
Hosanna's 2022 Lent Devotional Booklet
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Written in 2022 by our members - whether you want to read it again or missed it last year, this is a great opportunity to connect with others.
Hosanna's 2020 Lent Devotional Booklet
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Written in 2020 by our members.
Christ in Our Home Quarterly Devotional Book
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Christ in Our Home is a quarterly devotional resource that encourages readers to live out their faith daily. Each reflective reading is accompanied by a daily scripture reference and prayer for the day that follows the Revised Common Lectionary.
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The April, May, June booklet will be available in mid-March.
BOOKS FOR LENT
Available at Amazon and other Booksellers
40 Days With Jesus: Celebrating His Presence
Spend 40 days with Jesus—from the time leading up to His death on Good Friday to the celebration of His resurrection on Easter Sunday—and celebrate His presence as never before. Select devotions from Sarah Young’s bestselling Jesus Calling have been compiled to create an experience of closeness with the Savior during any time of the year.
40 Days of Jesus Always: Joy in His Presence
Spend 40 days with Jesus, exploring promises found in Scripture—promises of life abundant, life to the fullest, and life brimming with joy! Select devotions from #1 bestselling author Sarah Young’s Jesus Always, you’ll experience a closeness with the Savior that invites you into a new way of living—embracing a joy-filled life.
40-day Journey With Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature, having authored twelve best-selling books. In this slim volume the legendary wisdom of this American poet, educator, historian, actress, director, and civil-rights activist is clearly evident in her own words. Editor Henry French selects forty inspiring passages for readers to ponder while taking a spiritual journey with Maya Angelou.
40-Day Journey with Parker J. Palmer
Few Protestant writers today can match the influence of Parker Palmer on American spirituality, contemplative practice, and Quaker values. Palmer, who is founder and senior partner of the Center for Courage & Renewal, a non-profit organization that provides support for people in the service professions, has published dozens of poems, essays, and seven books. Drawing from his published works, series editor Henry French here selects 40 inspiring passages from Palmer's writings that reflect Palmer's spiritual journey and invites readers to explore their own spirituality under the guidance of this noted author, educator, and activist.
BOOKS FOR ANY TIME
Available at Amazon and other Booksellers
Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
In these powerful pages are the words and Scriptures Jesus lovingly laid on the author's heart--words of reassurance, comfort, and hope. Words that have made her increasingly aware of His presence and allowed her to enjoy God's peace. Each day is written as if Jesus were speaking to you. Because He is. Do you hear Him calling?
Jesus Today: Experience Hope Through His Presence
Do you need a lifeline in your discouragement and hurts? Are you longing for a close, intimate relationship with the Lord? Jesus Today, the sequel to the bestselling devotional Jesus Calling, is written as if Jesus Himself is assuring you that He is in control, that He is good, and that a glorious future awaits all who anchor their hope in Him.
Jesus Always: Embracing Joy in His Presence
Life today is full of difficulties--loss, sadness, fear. But Jesus has more for His followers than a life of striving, pain, and discontent. With Scripture and personal reflections, the #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Young brings Jesus' message of joy today and every day with this 365-day devotional. Written as if Jesus Himself is speaking directly to the reader, Jesus Always invites you into a new way of living--a life of joy.
Jesus Lives: Seeing His Love in Your Life
Are you struggling through a valley or reaping a bounty of blessings? Jesus is very much alive and present. In Jesus Lives, #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Young shares how knowing Jesus on a deeper, more personal level not only means seeing Him at work in your life, but also sharing your heart with the Savior. Jesus Lives includes 180 uplifting devotions that exemplify Jesus' presence in your life.
2023 SACRED STORIES:
Spend 5 minutes a day listening to a Bible story.
Long before most people could read, our sacred Biblical stories were not read word-for-word. Instead, people were led by the Holy Spirit to share the stories that had touched their souls with children and the people they loved.
Each day during Lent, Pastor Mike will tell a new Bible story in his own words. You’ll be able to listen to the story online, subscribe on your phone via podcast, or watch a video of the telling. Audio, video, and podcast links are available here.
If you haven’t read much of the Bible, it’s been a while, or you just want to hear it in a new way, this is for you. In just 5 minutes a day, you’ll experience 40+ Bible stories before you get to Easter.
APPS FOR PHONE OR TABLET:
3-Minute Retreat
3-Minute Retreats invite you to take a short prayer break with your phone. Spend some quiet time reflecting on a Scripture passage. Download for free from the Android Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Jesus Calling App
Millions of people have had their lives impacted by the encouraging words of Sarah Young in the bestselling, 365-day devotional, Jesus Calling. The Jesus Calling App is the mobile version of the time-tested classic packed with digital features that make this daily devotional more accessible than ever. Learn more about the app and how to download it here. Purchase is required to use several features in this app.
Daily Examen
DAILY SUBSCRIPTIONS BY TEXT OR E-MAIL:
3-Minute Retreat
3-Minute Retreats invite you to take a short prayer break right at your computer. Spend some quiet time reflecting on a Scripture passage. Sign up for a daily e-mail reminder with a link to each day's retreat.
God Pause Daily Devotion
A daily e-mail sent to you with a devotion written by graduates of Luther Seminary. See today's devotion here and click the SUBSCRIBE TO GODPAUSE button. Devotions for Lent come from the Awesome Mystery Lent Devotional listed above.
Bible Gateway Devotionals
The online website Bible Gateway offers numerous options for devotions. See what's available here, including the following:
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C.S. Lewis Daily
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40 Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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Devotionals for Women
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Devotionals for Men
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Devotionals for families
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Many, many more
While many of these devotions are free, there are several that are paid subscriptions.
DEVOTIONS WITH KIDS
Imagine what happens to a child whose family intentionally shares the best and worst of life with one another every night. Imagine what happens to a family who grounds their highs and lows in Scripture and prayer every night of their lives. When practiced every night at home, FAITH5 carries the power to enrich communication, deepen understanding, and promote mental, and spiritual health in families.
Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions For Kids
Available at Amazon and other booksellers
Devotions written as if Jesus is speaking directly to a child's heart. Based on her original Jesus Calling, this version has been adapted in a language and fashion that kids and tweens can relate to their everyday lives.