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Lent is a great time for us to quiet our distractions and spend more time in prayer and spiritual reading. The Church has given us so much wisdom from the mouths of the Holy Fathers and others through the generations—it can be for us like a fountain that refreshes and nourishes us during the Great Fast. We have collected a list of books that are sure to provide wonderful insight and  inspiration for your lenten journey. May it be blessed!

Treasure in Earthen Vessels by Fr. Stephen Muse

First Fruits of Prayer: A 40 Day Journey through the Ancient Great Canon by Frederica Mathewes-Green (Amazon/Bookshop)

A Lenten classic! Short daily readings and guided reflections for our journey through the season, accompanied by the Canon.

Parenting in Repentance, Growing Together in Love, Gratefulness, and Joy by Fr. Stephen Muse

Another wonderful, patient exploration of engaging in an Orthodox life from Fr. Stephen, this time through the lens of parenthood.

Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us Out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode--And Into a Life of Connection and Joy by Aundi Kolber (Amazon/Bookshop)

Written by a non-Orthodox Christian trauma therapist, this is a great read if you struggle with feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or like you can never do all the things. Lent is a wonderful time to consider what is in the way in our spiritual lives, and this book provides a helpful lens for what and why might be practically standing in our way.

Nistisima: The secret to delicious Mediterranean vegan food, the Sunday Times bestseller and voted OFM Best Cookbook by Georgina Hayden (Amazon/Bookshop)

A gorgeous cookbook that just happens to be about fasting foods? Yes, please! Filled with beautiful photos and recipes from across the Orthodox world, as well as stories and ideas for dietary fasting from people who have done this their entire lives.

Thirty Steps to Heaven: The Ladder of Divine Ascent for All Walks of Life by Archimandrite Vassilios Papavassiliou

The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus is a spiritual classic, but the monastic text is difficult to understand for the average layman. Archimandrite Vassilios helps us to approach this challenging text, which is a great endeavor for our lenten efforts. 

This one is for the families. Based on the Scripture readings for each day, this book has devotions, reflection questions, and an appendix of extra activities to steep your little ones in the lenten experience. 

For more lenten reading suggestions, see our Great Lent resource post.