Watch + Pray: Wisdom and Hope for Lent and Life

Author Carlton Turner
Publisher CHP £2.50
Format pbk
ISBN 9781781404454
Pack of 10: £22; Pack of 50 £95

Watch + Pray: A Lent Journey for Children

Author Anon
Publisher CHP £1.50
Format pbk
ISBN 9781781404485
Pack of 10 £12.50

These two pocket-sized books of reflections for Lent represent a core component of the Church of England’s resources for Lent 2024. The contributions are closely aligned to the themes within Tarry Awhile by Selina Stone, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s chosen text for the season, which features wisdom from Black spirituality for people of faith.

The booklet by Carlton Turner uses a familiar formula: a Bible passage with short reflection; time for personal reflection (‘Watch’) and suggestions for prayer. There is a special emphasis on waiting expectantly for God to meet us and sustain us.

Writing a daily task or prayer for children during Lent seems to me a formidable and unenviable task, and I am not quite convinced that all the suggested activities and actions will find favour with young people. Nonetheless, I hope and pray that this booklet will succeed. Not surprisingly, it seems to be written for parents to guide and encourage rather than as a self-starter for children. The accompanying videos for children seem to be a more fruitful way of engaging young minds (see website below).

Further details and supporting resources can be found at cofe.io/WatchAndPray

Reviewed by Elizabeth Stephenson

Lent

Reflections for Lent: 14 February – 30 March 2024

Author Andrew Davison et al
Publisher CHP £4.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781781404515

This slim booklet is a seasonal extract from Reflections for Daily Prayer (Advent 2023 – Eve of Advent 2024). I have previously reviewed the full volume within the Transforming Ministry Advent resources feature on our website. As I wrote then,

If you have previously used this annual volume, you will know its great value in providing a focus on one of the daily lectionary readings (Monday-Saturday) for Morning Prayer. It helps to give rigour and discipline to daily worship within the rhythms of Anglican liturgy. Having used these reflections now for several years, I find that most of them stay in your mind throughout the day, and the finest stay for ever to be frequently re-told or recycled within sermons and talks… The whole book reminded me of the richness of God’s eternal word in scripture and the wisdom that accumulates in the minds of his devoted servants. Used well, this book will magnify your lectionary year.

The Lent reflections include memorable contributions from Rachel Mann, Mark Oakley, Bishop Rachel Treweeke and Holy Week reflections by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Reviewed by Elizabeth Stephenson

Lent

Also recommended – for Lent and throughout the year

A Truth Universally Acknowledged: 40 days with Jane Austen

Author Rachel Mann
Publisher Canterbury Press, £12.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781786225030

Transfiguration: Fifty Pilgrim Steps

Author Rob Marshall
Publisher Canterbury Press, £12.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781786225313

The Infernal Word: Notes from a Rebel Angel

Author Nicholas Papadopulos
Publisher Canterbury Press, £9.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781786225290

These titles will be reviewed in Transforming Ministry Magazine later this year.