Suggested Lenten Reading

2018 article on suggested Lenten reading by Fr. John Whiteford

Mar 19, 2024

Being the second day of Lent, I thought it would be helpful to share something on profitable reading for Lent, as well as a few other beneficial links. There is a link below for the original post on Fr. John’s Blogspot

Lent seems like a long time at the beginning, but it can pass you by quickly, if you don't make a point of putting forth the effort to pray more, attend more of the services, and to read more. One should set goals that are not overly ambitious, because often when we try to do too much, we end up doing very little. It is better to set realistic goals, try to stick with them, and hit the ground running.

When it comes to spiritual reading, there are many options. Each Lent, you should select a couple of things you will especially focus on reading, cut out some of the things you waste time on, and devote that time to some reading that will feed your soul.

Here are some of the most traditional options:

The Scriptures, especially the books of Genesis, Proverbs, Isaiah (which are read in the Lectionary Readings of Lent), the Psalter, and the Gospels: In the services of Lent and Holy Week the reading of these books are appointed to be read (almost all of Genesis, Proverbs, and Isaiah; the Psalter is read twice each week during Lent; and all four Gospels (read in their entirety during Holy Week). Most people probably would have a hard time reading them all, in a given Lent, but you could at least aim to read some of them.
The Ladder of Divine Ascent, by St. John Climacus, which is appointed to be read during the Lenten services by the Typikon.
The Lausiac History of St. Palladius (the lives of the Desert Fathers), which is also appointed to be read during the Lenten Services.

Read the rest of Fr. John’s articles on spiritual reading during Lent here.

Where the Wasteland Ends

Suggested Lenten Reading

2018 article on suggested Lenten reading by Fr. John Whiteford

See also: