Ash Wednesday is approaching fast which begins the season of Lent. During Lent, Christians prepare to celebrate the miracle of Easter through prayer, fasting and other spiritual disciplines.
Studies and devotional resources are available from Abingdon Press, the Upper Room, the Society of St. Andrew and other publications to help church leaders and congregants experience Lent as a season of reflection and attentiveness. Many are available to order in bulk or come with leader kits. Most are appropriate for individual use and for Sunday school/small group or congregation-wide studies.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die? (Abingdon Press)
Despite the crucifixion’s central place in Christian faith, the New Testament offers few clear answers about how Jesus’ death saves, or why, exactly, he had to die. The New Testament writers use a host of metaphors—ransom, sacrifice, reconciliation, victory—but never explain exactly how it works or why it had to happen this way. What if that’s because we’ve been asking the wrong question? What if the cross isn’t a transaction to be explained, but a living Word from God meant to transform who we are and how we live? The book itself is available along with a leader guide, DVD and downloadable sermon resources.
An Unlikely Lent (Abingdon Press)
The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are at the heart of the story of Easter. But the resurrection was not witnessed in isolation; it unfolded before a crowd. By seeing the Easter story through their eyes, we may discover that the resurrection is not just a past event, but an invitation into something new, unexpected, and unlikely. Walk through this season with eyes wide open, ready to see where God is moving, even in the margins. Since the cross is not the end of the story, embrace every unlikely moment along the way. The book itself is available along with a leader guide and DVD.
The Last Supper (Abingdon Press)
Travel with Jesus on the road to Jerusalem in this profound six-week Lenten study that explores the parables and stories Jesus told at tables along the way to his final meal. Will Willimon invites readers to experience how these table stories—about searching shepherds, welcoming hosts, prodigal sons, and rejected invitations—illuminate the deeper meaning of the Last Supper and Christ's sacrifice. Each chapter concludes with thought-provoking questions for personal reflection or group discussion that connect these ancient stories to contemporary Christian life. The book itself is available along with a leader guide and DVD.
When Did We See You?: A Lenten Exploration of Poverty and Wealth (Upper Room Books)
In When Did We See You?, Elizabeth Mae Magill invites us into an honest conversation about faith, money, and community, posing hard questions about poverty, wealth, and what it means to follow Jesus in an economically divided world. With candor, grace, and deep pastoral insight, Magill wrestles with her own material privilege and encourages us to do the same. In a world of both abundance and inequality, When Did We See You? guides us through a crucial and timely conversation about our money, economic justice, and God's call for a world with enough for all. This Lent, may we have eyes to truly see Christ in our neighbors, and respond with love and action. Available in both print and ebook.
The Final Days: A Lenten Journey Through the Gospels (Abingdon Press)
Matt Rawle offers this indepth study of the different Gospel accounts of the Easter story. The four New Testament Gospels aren’t the same story, but they offer the same Resurrection hope. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John devote most of their story detailing Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem, all highlighting Jesus’ triumphant entry into the city, the suffering and humiliation of the cross, and the empty tomb come Sunday morning, but the stories they tell aren’t quite the same. Each Gospel offers a different lens through which we understand Jesus’ Passion. One portrait reveals Jesus to be in control, while another emphasizes his suffering. In one story Jesus offers hope to the thief on the cross, and in another Jesus only receives derision. These different perspectives aren’t a reason to dismiss the Gospels; rather the reveal an abundant, diverse, and complementary picture of God’s work in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This resource is available with the book itself, a leader guide and DVD.
The Gospel of John: A Beginners Guide to the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Abingdon Press)
With her characteristic wit and charm, Amy-Jill Levine introduces readers to the world of the Gospel of John by unpacking the stories in their original context, along with examining how the text is read today. This book considers the Gospel of John in its entirety, moving through the Gospel and exploring the prologue, the wedding at Cana, the Samaritan woman at the well and the woman caught in adultery, the healing of the man at the pool and the man born blind, foot washing, Mary Magdalene and Doubting Thomas, and the Lamb of God. This resource is available with the book itself, a leader guide and DVD.
Believe Like Jesus: Rising from Faith in Jesus to the Faith of Jesus (Abingdon Press)
Just in time for Lenten Season, Rebekah Simon-Peter leads readers and groups on a 40-day journey to spiritual transformation. This is a fresh approach to spiritual growth unlike anything you may have experienced before. These 40 days of transformation invite you to shift from believing in Jesus to believing like Jesus, from rising from faith in Jesus to the faith of Jesus, from being a disciple to being an apostle, all to become more Christ-like.
The Promise and Power of Easter Video Study: Captivated by the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus (Abingdon Press)
In this four-week Bible study taught by Christine Caine and Lisa Harper, we will remember together what led up to the cross and join hands in awesome celebration of the restoration we received when Jesus rose again. What a gift to reflect and rise together in the Lord's power and glory! This resource comes as video study and study guide.
Draw Close (Upper Room Books)
Experience scripture, God, and your faith in a fresh new way this Lenten season! In the interactive devotional Draw Close, Rev. Stephanie Dunn invites people of all faith levels and artistic skills into a creative daily practice that will deepen your faith and help you engage scripture in imaginative new ways. This unique Lenten companion for all ages can be used alone or with a group of others looking for new ways to practice their faith. Pick up a pencil, pen, or paintbrush and prepare to draw closer to God this Lent! Order your copy today.
The Third Day (Abingdon Press)
In The Third Day: Living the Resurrection, Tom Berlin uses his gifts of storytelling and understanding the Scriptures to connect the reader to the experiences of several individuals around Jesus in his final days, focusing on new life and redemption rather than loss. The book itself is available along with a leader guide and DVD.
Remember (Abingdon Press)
God’s covenants throughout the Old Testament show the character of God’s promises to the people of Israel.In this book, Susan Robb leads readers through the covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, followed by the new covenantestablished on Maundy Thursday. The Lenten story culminates with an examination of the cross as another example of God’s promise for a new world. The book itself is available along with a leader guide and DVD.
Struggle to the Cross (Abingdon Press)
Struggle to the Cross is a new Lenten study by best-selling author and United Methodist Bishop Sharma D. Lewis. Bishop Lewis invites readers to observe Lent by introspection, repentance, forgiveness, renewal, prayer, fasting and Biblical study. Each daily reading ends with the “My Action” section, inviting readers to put into practice what they have read and reflected upon. Each Sunday, readers are asked to reflect and journal on the past week’s study using questions provided by the author. Order this study in print or ebook form.
Savior: What the Bible Says about the Cross (Abingdon Press)
As Christians, we’re taught that Christ died on the cross to bring us salvation. We know this, but do we understand it? What exactly did Jesus do to save us from our sins? Was the cross really necessary? Could there have been another way? The Rev. Magrey deVega explores the mystery of salvation through the cross, helping readers find a deeper love for God and others while strengthening their commitment to follow Jesus. Along with the book itself, readers can purchase a leader guide or DVD.
Blessed Are the Meek: Lenten Devotionals (Society of St. Andrew)
These devotions contain daily meditations, prayers and guidance written by pastors, missionaries and laypeople from many different Christian traditions. The 2026 theme is "Blessed Are the Meek." This Lent, we invite you and your congregation to a 40-day devotional experience with the Society of St. Andrew through Blessed Are the Meek. The daily readings and prayers in this year’s devotional explore Christian humility, service, and strength unfolding in the scriptures and daily life. Written by faithful voices from across the country, these Lent devotions invite you to slow down, open Scripture, embrace the quiet courage of meekness, and be shaped by the Lord who blesses the meek. The devotionals can be used by individuals, small groups or congregations.
The Sanctuary for Lent 2026 (Abingdon Press)
Experience a transformative Lent journey with this convenient and affordable devotional for the entire church. The Sanctuary for Lent 2026 by Amy Sigmon contains brief readings for each day in Lent, from the first Sunday of Lent through Easter Sunday, including a suggested Scripture, a short devotion, and a short prayer or practice—all based on the Revised Common Lectionary. This annual favorite is ideal for congregations and perfect as gifts. In addition, the booklets are a great addition to Lent mailings by churches and an easy way to reach out to visitors and community members during this special season. Make a lasting impact and create a direct line of communication with recipients by personalizing each printed booklet with your own custom sticker featuring your church’s details or information about services. Order a 10-booklet packet today.
Philip J. Brooks is a writer and content developer with the leader communications team at United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.