Let’s be honest: Ash Wednesday is tomorrow. If you’ve looked at the calendar today and realized you are completely unprepared for the start of Lent, take a deep breath. You are not alone.
Between managing the daily operations of Makers & Merch, family life, and just the general chaos that February brings, realizing a major liturgical season is starting 24 hours beforehand is just par for the course for me.
The good news? You don’t have to skip observing the season just because you didn’t plan ahead. Thank God for two day shipping.
If you want to participate in Lent meaningfully but haven’t prepped a study plan, here are 7 highly-rated Lent devotionals you can order right now on Amazon Prime to get them on your doorstep by the weekend. It is perfectly okay if your book arrives on Friday—the posture of your heart matters far more than the start date.
1. For the Habit-Builder: Jesus Listens—for Lent and Easter by Sarah Young
If you are someone who struggles to find the words to pray, or if you already love the incredibly popular Jesus Calling format, this is your book.
Sarah Young has crafted a beautiful collection of daily, heartfelt prayers specifically tailored for the Lenten season. Every single day offers a short, accessible prayer completely anchored in Scripture. It removes the intimidation factor of prayer and helps you build a quiet, daily habit of connecting with God before the rush of the day begins.
Jesus Listens—for Lent and Easter
Sarah Young has crafted a beautiful collection of daily, heartfelt prayers specifically tailored for the Lenten season. Every single day offers a short, accessible prayer completely anchored in Scripture.
2. For the Deep Thinker: 40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole
This is not your standard “give up chocolate for 40 days” Lenten devotional. Dr. Alicia Britt Chole invites readers into a “different kind of fast.”
Instead of focusing purely on physical sacrifices, 40 Days of Decrease challenges you to fast from “heart-clutter.” Day by day, she guides you through fasting from things like regret, comparison, avoidance, and spectatorship. Each entry includes a reflection on Jesus’ journey in the Gospel of John, a thought-provoking quote, and journaling space. If you want to use this season to clear out the mental and spiritual baggage weighing you down, this book is profound.
40 Days of Decrease
Instead of focusing purely on physical sacrifices, this challenges you to fast from “heart-clutter” like regret, comparison, and avoidance. Perfect for clearing out mental and spiritual baggage.
3. For the Intellectual: Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter
If you are looking for rich, theological depth and variety, this is my Top Pick. Bread and Wine is a compilation of daily readings from some of the greatest Christian thinkers and writers in history.
Instead of reading one author for 40 days, you get to sit with the wisdom of C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, Philip Yancey, Saint Augustine, and N.T. Wright. It covers the full spectrum of the season—from the somber reflection of Ash Wednesday to the sheer joy of Resurrection Sunday. It is beautifully curated and perfect for readers who want to be intellectually and spiritually challenged.
Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent
A compilation of daily readings from some of the greatest Christian thinkers in history, including C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton. It is beautifully curated and intellectually challenging.
4. For the Skeptic or Seeker: The Unvarnished Jesus by Brian Zahnd
Sometimes, the most impactful thing we can do during Lent is strip away all of our cultural and political assumptions about faith and just look at Christ.
Brian Zahnd takes readers on a 46-day journey from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, focusing entirely on the raw, unfiltered life and ministry of Jesus. It is a fantastic read for men, seekers, or anyone feeling a bit burnt out on modern church culture. It forces you to look past the “varnish” of tradition and encounter the radical nature of the Gospel all over again.
The Unvarnished Jesus
A fantastic read for anyone feeling a bit burnt out on modern church culture. It forces you to look past the “varnish” of tradition and encounter the radical nature of the Gospel all over again.
5. For the Contemplative: Remember Your Death: Memento Mori Lenten Devotional by Theresa Aletheia Noble
The title sounds incredibly intense, but the ancient Christian practice of Memento Mori (Latin for “remember you will die”) is actually a profound way to value the life Christ gives us.
Lent begins with the phrase, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This devotional leans right into that reality. Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble guides readers to reflect on their own mortality, not to cause fear, but to inspire a deep, urgent gratitude for the present moment and the hope of heaven. It is a unique, highly impactful choice that stands out from typical pastel-colored spring books.
Remember Your Death: Memento Mori
Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble guides readers to reflect on their own mortality, inspiring a deep, urgent gratitude for the present moment and the hope of heaven.
6. For the Busy Parent: Bitter and Sweet: A Journey into Easter by Tsh Oxenreider
If your reality looks more like trying to squeeze in ten minutes of quiet time before a seven-year-old wakes up and the morning rush begins, this book is for you.
Tsh Oxenreider is a master at making liturgical seasons accessible for modern, busy families. Bitter and Sweet is beautifully written, yet entirely manageable. Each day includes a short scripture reading, a brief reflection, a question to ponder, and a suggested song to listen to. It pairs perfectly with a quiet morning cup of coffee and won’t make you feel guilty if you only have a few minutes to spare.
Bitter and Sweet: A Journey into Easter
Beautifully written, yet entirely manageable. Each day includes a short scripture reading, a brief reflection, a question to ponder, and a suggested song to listen to. Perfect for busy parents.
7. For the Classic Devotional Lover: Show Me the Way by Henri Nouwen
Henri Nouwen is widely considered a master of pastoral care, and this book is a gentle, comforting companion for the 40-day Lenten path.
Show Me the Way isn’t about rigorous theological study; it’s about the heart. Nouwen’s daily reflections focus on trust, letting go of fear, and learning to rest in God’s love as we journey toward the cross. If you are entering this Lent feeling exhausted, anxious, or heavy-hearted, Nouwen’s words will serve as a much-needed pastoral embrace.
Show Me the Way
Nouwen’s daily reflections focus on trust, letting go of fear, and learning to rest in God’s love. If you are entering this Lent feeling exhausted or heavy-hearted, Nouwen’s words serve as a pastoral embrace.
Final Thoughts on a Last-Minute Lent
Remember, the specific book you choose matters far less than the posture of your heart. It is perfectly okay if your devotional arrives on Friday or Saturday. Use these first couple of days to simply sit in quiet prayer, clear your mind, and prepare for the journey ahead.
Which of these books are you adding to your Amazon cart? Or do you have a different Lenten tradition that you return to every year? Let me know in the comments below!
What Happens After Easter?
Lent is a beautiful, intentional 40-day journey. But it always begs the question: What are you doing for the other 325 days of the year?
Spiritual growth shouldn’t stop the moment we celebrate the empty tomb. A vibrant faith requires a consistent, year-round rhythm. That is exactly why I am currently putting the finishing touches on the Grace Filled Pathways 52-Week Devotional and Prayer Journal.
It is designed to help you step out of the seasonal sprint and build a sustainable, weekly habit of being in the Word and recording your prayers.
Want to get a sneak peek? Drop your email below to join the Grace Filled Pathways community and get on the waitlist. You will be the absolute first to know when it officially launches!
