Lent

When Did We See You?

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 20:06:06 GMT

“Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?” … “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these … you did for me.”—Matthew 25:37, 40

An Honest Lenten Study on Money, God, and Faith

Like so many of us, Elizabeth Mae Magill struggles to wrap her head around the tensions involving wealth, responsible planning for the future, and how God wants us to care for those less fortunate than ourselves. How does a Christian with money respond and act in a country where over 36 million people live below the poverty line?

In When Did We See You?, 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.

Grounded in scripture and the author's own life and experience, this study explores how wealth shapes our relationship with God and neighbor and calls us back to Christ's radical way of love, justice, and solidarity with the poor. Reminding us that all that we have belongs to God, Magill leads us through a revelatory journey as we consider:

Our relationship to money and concerns about having enough
Biblical teachings on money, charity, justice
A faithful response to those in our community who have less
How spiritual poverty brings us closer to God and others
What Jesus' teachings call us to do—and who they call us to become

When Did We See You? can be used for individual study or small groups, and includes:

A chapter for each week of Lent, with reflection questions for each day
Litanies for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Stories from real congregations wrestling with poverty and hope
Concrete ideas you and your community can use to alleviate poverty

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.

When Did We See You? is perfect for:

Lenten small-group studies
Church-wide reading programs
Pastors and leaders looking to open dialogue on money, justice, and discipleship

When Did We See You?

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 21:50:13 GMT

“Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?” … “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these … you did for me.”—Matthew 25:37, 40

An Honest Lenten Study on Money, God, and Faith

Our relationship to money and concerns about having enough
Biblical teachings on money, charity, justice
A faithful response to those in our community who have less
How spiritual poverty brings us closer to God and others
What Jesus' teachings call us to do—and who they call us to become

When Did We See You? can be used for individual study or small groups, and includes:

A chapter for each week of Lent, with reflection questions for each day
Litanies for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Stories from real congregations wrestling with poverty and hope
Concrete ideas you and your community can use to alleviate poverty

When Did We See You? is perfect for:

Lenten small-group studies
Church-wide reading programs
Pastors and leaders looking to open dialogue on money, justice, and discipleship

Draw Close

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 18:00:11 GMT

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.

On each of the 40 days of Lent, Dunn introduces you to a biblical text, prayer, and word prompt to ponder, followed by a blank page for you to respond in whatever way you choose—sketching, doodling, poetry, journaling, or however your heart desires! As you engage with the Lenten texts in this immersive way, you'll discover new depths of insight, connection, and spiritual renewal. Through the act of creation, you'll find a sacred space where prayer, meditation, and creativity converge, nurturing your soul and fostering a closer relationship with God.

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 or pen and prepare to draw closer to God this Lent! Perforated pages allow you to tear out your favorite creations to hang on the wall or fridge.

READ A SAMPLE.

Five Ways to Use Draw Close in Your Church This Lent

Where We Meet

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 20:29:07 GMT

Meet Jesus at the Intersection of Faith and Justice

Jesus devoted himself to uplifting the poor, reaching out to the marginalized, and fearlessly challenging systems of oppression. His message resounded with the promise of liberation, equality, and inclusion for all, and he implored his followers to pursue the same. However, the church has often struggled to reflect this good news in its own actions.

In Where We Meet, four members of the Intersect network invite you to immerse yourself in the stories of Jesus and the early church. Together, they also explore their own stories, examine past shortcomings of the church, address difficult questions, and envision a brighter future that better reflects the good news of Jesus.

Throughout the Lenten season, Rachel Gilmore, Tyler Sit, Matt Temple, and Candace Lewis guide you through a series of daily reflections, exploring a spectrum of critical themes—from diversity and equity to the challenges of the post-colonial church. They will also delve into the vital need for innovation and contextualization in doing the work Jesus had called us to do.

Prepare to tackle challenging questions and be emboldened to follow in Jesus' footsteps, pursuing justice and love for all.

Download a Free Sample

Where We Meet

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 14:21:28 GMT

Meet Jesus at the Intersection of Faith and Justice

Prepare to tackle challenging questions and be emboldened to follow in Jesus' footsteps, pursuing justice and love for all.

Download a Free Sample

My Body Is Good

Wed, 18 May 2022 20:38:48 GMT

Author Anne Cumings recalls growing up in a culture that scrutinized her body as a source of weakness and sin. Her church warned of "slippery slides into debauchery," and modern culture taught her that she must look a certain way to be attractive, acceptable, even lovable—something to which most women will relate. Now, equipped with a body-positive mindset, she has created an engaging and uplifting study, My Body Is Good, to guide readers through a Lenten season of celebrating their bodies.

Written specifically for women, each daily meditation offers a scripture passage, a reflection, and a prayer. Readers are encouraged to capture their questions, ideas, and thoughts through journaling and other spiritual practices, all with the intention of healing from diet culture. Join her on this Lenten journey and never again forget that your God-given body, made from dust, is good.

Unrevealed Until Its Season

Fri, 20 May 2022 15:28:31 GMT

Author James Howell believes in the power of song to teach spiritual truths. "Hymns embed faith into the marrow of the soul," he writes. In Unrevealed Until Its Season, Howell takes us on a 40-day journey through well-loved hymns.

A meaningful Lenten devotional guide for individuals and small groups, Unrevealed Until Its Season is also a valuable resource and perfect gift for musicians as they prepare for worship, and for ministers as they lead worship.

Weekly themes include Praising God, Hymns About Jesus, Hymns of Forgiveness, Hymns of Vision, Hymns of Beauty, Hymns of Holy Week, and Hymns of Easter. Howell ponders phrases from old and new hymns, such as "Be Thou My Vision," "Hymn of Promise," "All Creatures of Our God and King," "For Everyone Born," "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," "Lift High the Cross," and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."

Unrevealed Until Its Season

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 22:38:11 GMT

Unrevealed Until Its Season

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:50:11 GMT

Walking in the Wilderness

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:07:09 GMT

A Lenten Companion for Life's Challenges

"We come hungry to this season of Lent," author Beth Richardson writes, "hungry for words of life, for rituals of preparation, for disciplines to help us on our way."

People of faith today are struggling as they navigate a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and division. These moments of wilderness and exile test our faith and invite us to seek God's presence more deeply. The wilderness, however, is a familiar place for those who follow Jesus. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, Lent calls us to examine ourselves, repent, and make room in our lives for the Holy One.

Walking in the Wilderness is designed to be your companion on this sacred journey. With daily reflections from Ash Wednesday through Easter — as well as weekly spiritual practices — this devotional offers guidance for individuals or groups seeking to grow spiritually and navigate personal and collective experiences of wilderness during Lent.

Daily Devotions: Each daily devotion includes:

A quotation from an Upper Room resource.
A short scripture passage to reflect on.
A thoughtful and inspiring meditation by Richardson.
A prayer to center your heart.
A single word to carry with you throughout the day.

Weekly Spiritual Practices: Each Sunday introduces a practice to help you navigate life's wilderness seasons with purpose:

Being Present
Lament
Lectio Divina
Trust
Compassion
Hospitality

Walking in the Wilderness provides a spiritual feast, offering readers the sustenance they need to grow in faith, renew their spirit, and embrace the hope and promise of Easter.

Perfect for Individual or Group Study

Whether you're seeking personal reflection or a resource for small group discussions, this devotional provides meaningful insights and practices for deepening your connection with God.

Walking in the Wilderness

Tue, 24 May 2022 18:19:39 GMT

Walking in the Wilderness

Sat, 14 May 2022 04:13:28 GMT

A Lenten Companion for Life's Challenges

"We come hungry to this season of Lent," author Beth Richardson writes, "hungry for words of life, for rituals of preparation, for disciplines to help us on our way."

Daily Devotions: Each daily devotion includes:

A quotation from an Upper Room resource.
A short scripture passage to reflect on.
A thoughtful and inspiring meditation by Richardson.
A prayer to center your heart.
A single word to carry with you throughout the day.

Weekly Spiritual Practices: Each Sunday introduces a practice to help you navigate life's wilderness seasons with purpose:

Being Present
Lament
Lectio Divina
Trust
Compassion
Hospitality

Walking in the Wilderness provides a spiritual feast, offering readers the sustenance they need to grow in faith, renew their spirit, and embrace the hope and promise of Easter.

Perfect for Individual or Group Study

Whether you're seeking personal reflection or a resource for small group discussions, this devotional provides meaningful insights and practices for deepening your connection with God.

We Are Beloved

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:48:28 GMT

Christians often have the head knowledge that we are beloved, but deep in our hearts do we truly believe it? Author Kristen Vincent takes us on a journey with Jesus that helps us discover how deeply beloved we are.

This 6-week Lenten journey follows stories of Jesus' experience of God's love. The incarnate Son of God was made fully human, which means that Jesus had to fully mature in strength and wisdom to learn that he was beloved. Just as Jesus learned of his belovedness, we, too, can cultivate the wisdom and knowledge that we are deeply loved.

Each week begins with a scripture passage, a weekly devotion, reflection questions, an optional prayer bead experience, and a listening meditation. A Leader's Guide for small-group study is also included. Note: This product does not include prayer beads.

Be transformed by God's love this Lenten season.

We Are Beloved

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:48:39 GMT

Be transformed by God's love this Lenten season.

We Are Beloved

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:18:22 GMT

Be transformed by God's love this Lenten season.

Because of This I Rejoice

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:46:06 GMT

For too long Lent has been thought of as a season of self-sacrifice and discipline that sounds to many Christians like a list of spiritual chores. Lenten disciplines become the spiritual equivalent of New Year's resolutions to lose weight, be healthier, or practice better money management. These promises are easily made and often quickly broken, leaving us feeling like we do not measure up to what we should be.

In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul joyfully turns to spiritual practices that draw him closer to God amid persecution and imprisonment. These practices keep Paul connected to a sense of God's power and presence. Joy flows from Paul and becomes a vital part of his relationship with the Philippians.

Because of This I Rejoice is a 6-week study of Philippians that explores what Paul teaches about joyfully practicing spiritual disciplines. The intent of these disciplines is to help us focus less on ourselves and more on God. This Lenten study invites us to engage in the same spiritual practices as a way to grow closer to God and allow joy to flow through our lives.

Because of This I Rejoice

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:39:37 GMT

Because of This I Rejoice

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:39:49 GMT

Divine Friendship

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:40:12 GMT

Many of us spend our lives searching for something to satisfy our deepest longings. Yet we will never find complete satisfaction in human relationships, possessions, or personal power. As Saint Augustine wrote, "Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you [God]."

Lent offers us the opportunity to deepen our friendship with God. The idea of being friends with God may intimidate some, but the authors of this book provide practical tips for developing a closer relationship with God. Set aside at least 15 to 20 minutes each day to spend with God, the introduction suggests. Read the scripture texts and reflections, and pay attention to what they evoke in you. Then talk to God about your thoughts and feelings just as you would to your best friend.

During Lent Jesus invites us to spend time with him and to renew our friendship with him. This encouraging book reminds us that we are beloved children of a God who deeply desires friendship with us. The meditations help us realize that through friendship with God, we will satisfy our hearts' yearnings.

Divine Friendship

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:40:25 GMT