A Way other than Our Own: Devotions for Lent

Lucid, incisive, to the point entries for each day in Lent. Brueggemann is not your average mealy mouthed devotion writer. Each brief entry references a Scripture quotation, offers a sharp reflection on it, and closes with a genuine and serious prayer. I've read lots of devotional books, for Lent and otherwise, and this is one of the best. You will be called to real repentance here - the heart of the spiritual experience of Lent. Highly recommend.

I loved this Lenten devotional because unlike so many, it calls the reader to really wrestle with sin, death, resurrection and life in ways that move beyond the feel-good superficiality of so much of Christian doctrine. By that I mean that while the message is a simple one, it is by no means easy to live out, and in our world there are constant reminders of empire and its influence over all of us. In a time when empire is being used to force a specific Christian doctrine, which intentionally or unintentionally values some of Gods children more than others, this message is a critical one to receive and to wrestle with.

Brueggemann is at his best. This devotional allows one to walk through Lent being challenged each step of the way with the truth and implications of Jesus' journey for our lives. Skillfully weaving both Old and New Testament passages, the author brings to bear the demands of scripture as we consider our response to the journey - both individually and corporately. Though themes tend to develop and repeat, they are not distracting but reassuring as we are reminded of the constancy of God's love for all of his creation. Highly recommended.

Brueggemann can be a hard read at times, but he has such great thoughts for us to ponder. In this book, the editor gives us Brueggemann in small bites, which makes them a bit easier to understand. Additionally, Mr. Floyd, a previous student of Walter Bruggemann, closes each reading with a prayer after the teachings of Walter Bruggemann. Worth reading.

The book contains devotions for each day of Lent, Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday. Each devotion consists of a Scripture quotation, a brief commentary and a prayer. Some are disturbing, as is appropriate for Lenten meditations; all are thought provoking; all contain meaningful calls to discipleship. They are little gems of spiritual insight from a major scholar renowned for his insights into Scripture and thoughtful prayers. As a long-time fan of Dr. Brueggemann's writings, I used the book this past season as a daily Lenten discipline, often rereading the selection for the previous day along with the current passage, sometimes being reminded of Brueggemann thoughts I have encountered before, sometimes being challenged to stretch my mind and spirit and truly pray the concluding prayer of a passage. I highly recommend such a discipline to others. However, the book can be valuable as a source of short but profound devotionals at any time or as an easy to read introduction to Brueggemann for those not familiar with his writing.

The rulers of this age crucified Jesus. We, his followers, need to discover the deep impact of his cross and resurrection for ot just our souls but our existence before God in this world. After helping you discover this need, Brueggemann meets your need through his careful explanations of Scripture and his thoughtful reflections about Jesus’ impact on the world and ourselves. This book will not leave you untouched. You will not regret the hours you spend with it. Don’t wait until Lent to read it!

This powerful little Lenten Devotional has truly inspired me to see God in His world. It's a book that helps us discern the mind of Christ as it relates to the times we live in. It is a powerful tool to help us search our own hearts during this time of Lent to see if we are seeking to follow Christ in the real world around us. And it is written so beautifully with wonderful imagery and strong prose. I intent to buy more for my friends because it is devotional for every day not just Lent

In just a few words each day we are prompted to rethink what drives our lives, to contemplate whether we are allowing God to be at the center of it, whether we are carrying forward Jesus’s ever pertinent and radical message. I looked forward to the succinct but profound daily reading, it really challenged me to stop and reflect on what it means to be a Christian. I highly recommend reading with a partner, to help you reflect on those deep, existential questions that will surely come up.

Although slightly repetitive I found these short meditations insightful and powerful. These enriched my lenten journey. I would have appreciated a somewhat more global perspective as not everyone reading this book will be an American! However, the message was still very relevant.

A new way to walk through Lent. Effectively articulates the struggles of real people in today's world.

Lucid, incisive, to the point entries for each day in Lent. Brueggemann is not your average mealy mouthed devotion writer. Each brief entry references a Scripture quotation, offers a sharp reflection on it, and closes with a genuine and serious prayer. I've read lots of devotional books, for Lent and otherwise, and this is one of the best. You will be called to real repentance here - the heart of the spiritual experience of Lent. Highly recommend.

I loved this Lenten devotional because unlike so many, it calls the reader to really wrestle with sin, death, resurrection and life in ways that move beyond the feel-good superficiality of so much of Christian doctrine. By that I mean that while the message is a simple one, it is by no means easy to live out, and in our world there are constant reminders of empire and its influence over all of us. In a time when empire is being used to force a specific Christian doctrine, which intentionally or unintentionally values some of Gods children more than others, this message is a critical one to receive and to wrestle with.

Brueggemann is at his best. This devotional allows one to walk through Lent being challenged each step of the way with the truth and implications of Jesus' journey for our lives. Skillfully weaving both Old and New Testament passages, the author brings to bear the demands of scripture as we consider our response to the journey - both individually and corporately. Though themes tend to develop and repeat, they are not distracting but reassuring as we are reminded of the constancy of God's love for all of his creation. Highly recommended.

Brueggemann can be a hard read at times, but he has such great thoughts for us to ponder. In this book, the editor gives us Brueggemann in small bites, which makes them a bit easier to understand. Additionally, Mr. Floyd, a previous student of Walter Bruggemann, closes each reading with a prayer after the teachings of Walter Bruggemann. Worth reading.

The book contains devotions for each day of Lent, Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday. Each devotion consists of a Scripture quotation, a brief commentary and a prayer. Some are disturbing, as is appropriate for Lenten meditations; all are thought provoking; all contain meaningful calls to discipleship. They are little gems of spiritual insight from a major scholar renowned for his insights into Scripture and thoughtful prayers. As a long-time fan of Dr. Brueggemann's writings, I used the book this past season as a daily Lenten discipline, often rereading the selection for the previous day along with the current passage, sometimes being reminded of Brueggemann thoughts I have encountered before, sometimes being challenged to stretch my mind and spirit and truly pray the concluding prayer of a passage. I highly recommend such a discipline to others. However, the book can be valuable as a source of short but profound devotionals at any time or as an easy to read introduction to Brueggemann for those not familiar with his writing.

The rulers of this age crucified Jesus. We, his followers, need to discover the deep impact of his cross and resurrection for ot just our souls but our existence before God in this world. After helping you discover this need, Brueggemann meets your need through his careful explanations of Scripture and his thoughtful reflections about Jesus’ impact on the world and ourselves. This book will not leave you untouched. You will not regret the hours you spend with it. Don’t wait until Lent to read it!

This powerful little Lenten Devotional has truly inspired me to see God in His world. It's a book that helps us discern the mind of Christ as it relates to the times we live in. It is a powerful tool to help us search our own hearts during this time of Lent to see if we are seeking to follow Christ in the real world around us. And it is written so beautifully with wonderful imagery and strong prose. I intent to buy more for my friends because it is devotional for every day not just Lent

In just a few words each day we are prompted to rethink what drives our lives, to contemplate whether we are allowing God to be at the center of it, whether we are carrying forward Jesus’s ever pertinent and radical message. I looked forward to the succinct but profound daily reading, it really challenged me to stop and reflect on what it means to be a Christian. I highly recommend reading with a partner, to help you reflect on those deep, existential questions that will surely come up.

Although slightly repetitive I found these short meditations insightful and powerful. These enriched my lenten journey. I would have appreciated a somewhat more global perspective as not everyone reading this book will be an American! However, the message was still very relevant.

A new way to walk through Lent. Effectively articulates the struggles of real people in today's world.

Brueggemann's Lenten spiritual journey is deep and rich and feeds the searching spirit's hunger perfectly. It is filled with new insights and deepening interpretation.

A new challenge each day of Lent. Hits between the eyes almost every time. Only Brueggemann can get away with writing stuff like this.

This devotional for Lent provides a glimpse each day into the truly inspirational journey Walter Bruegemann challenges us to take each day. Be assured, he accompanies us on this journey: after all, we are in this together! Very brief, these sketches are no less challenging for their brevity. Each concludes with a prayer and much food for thought.

This book was wonderful to read and be lifted up during Lent. I am so blessed by these words I found them inspiring and I will move forward renewed.

Worth the read! The only downfall is it doesn't have a third Monday or a few others. Why? I would be very careful spending money on this

I found these entries to be greatly inspiring and challenging. I found myself sharing many of them with friends throughout Lent, and I’ll definitely miss having some “daily Brueggemann” to look forward to. I guess it’s time to start another of his books!

Walter Bruegemann is truly a modern-day prophet, and as such, isn’t appreciated enough for his insightful claims on the real issues of our culture. This book is succinct, but provides a great start for each day in Lent.

Not the same old platitudes revisited. Yes it is a call to clearing your mind and preparing your soul but turned in a way to cause you to think hard and search your soul for lasting answers.

This is the second year in a row that I have used Dr. Brueggeman's book as one of my two Lenten devotionals. It is filled with thoughtful reflections. Several that didn't resonate with me the first time resonated this time. I a ready for Lent in 2020 awaiting the daily nudges I'm given to explore.

Really makes you think during the lenten season

Really enjoyed reading this book daily during Lent. These devotions take you deeper in your thinking about God's amazing gift!

Brueggemann's book is an insightful guide for those make the Lenten journey. I did not find it inspiring, for me, but I am sure others will. He has some very good suggestions for the season of Lent.

The book description was accurate. Ii received it on time.

Very inspiring, thought provoking, prayer enriching Lenten devotional. Very glad I was "introduced" to Brueggermann's works before Lent and prompted to search for more of his work and discovered this. One of the best Lenten devotionals I have prayed with through Lent.

Not quite the bent I was thinking for a Lent guide, but still very good. Maybe I needed to come at the Lenten season from another direction than my usual path? This did the trick!

This is simply a brilliant book. Perhaps the most meaningful daily devotional I've ever had. Each day's writing is so concise and yet so packed with thought. We used this book with our congregation as an all-church read during Lent, and it was a huge hit. Highly recommend.

I would recommend to those who follow the church's calendar. Inspiring and insightful. A refreshing outlook for a contemplative spiritual practice.

Brueggemann gives a great view of the broader understanding of Lent and how we can better turn our hearts and lives toward Jesus in light of what He has done for us. I highly recommend this for anyone seeking to dig deeper into the meaning of this longstanding tradition, no matter his or her background.

Powerful and hopeful, with a message that calls us to humble, honest reflection. Definitely worth using for Lent or a retreat focused on our call as Christians to live our our faith.

Highly highly recommend even outside of lent.

I liked the brevity. I liked the link to familiar scriptures. I liked the ‘what if?’ Approach. It’s Walter Bruggeman. Count on solid theology.

Although this is described as a Lenten devotional, it is a book to read anytime with great and lasting benefit.

Great content, very reflective. Not just personal inspiration but challenge to act for the common good of all! Highly recommend it.

Brueggemann never fails to provoke deeper reflection. This time of year it is more than welcome. He is a great companion for these 40 days.

Great! Used as a personal devotional and small group study.

These daily meditations enrich and inspire those seeking to grow in the Christian faith. Brueggeman focuses on new ways of thinking about the death and resurrection of Christ and does it splendidly.

Typical Brueggemann...always the prophet with a call to resist the siren calls of materialism and mass culture.

Very fresh insights and beautiful writing. It is an excellent resource to accompany us through the Holy season of Lent.

Bruggeman is so perfect for me with his attitudes of faith.

Once again this author has given me so much to think about with each day's reading. This book has been the highlight of my Lenten reading!

I like Walter Brueggemann's writing and these devotions are thoughtful as well as concise.

Vintage Brueggemann! He makes forceful applications of Biblical passages to contemporary situations, challenging the reader to think about faith and life.

Another excellent Brueggeman work; this one devotional.

excellent devotional

I am grateful for where I was taken. I am seeing the cross and the Life beyond the cross as something I am made for rather than something I presume on.

Always interested in what Dr. Brueggermann has to offer. A brilliant scholar! I most appreciate his prayers.

Brueggemann is radically faithful to a God that does not fit our requirements but requires much of us

Outstanding meditations about what our faith means in contemporary life

Inspiring and nourishing readings for the Lenten season.

As usual, Brueggemann challenges us to go beyond our comfort zones, to recognize the ways we allow ourselves to be conformed to this world, and to dare to risk more for our faith

It was a great read and reflect book when we were staring into the darkness of the abyss. This book nourished my soul.

Short, punchy and full of Bruggemann's characteristic themes of living a Christ-ful life in the midst the deadening Empire. Enjoyed this journey through Lent very much!

I found these devotions to be thought provoking and challenging. It is typical Walter Brueggemann, which is more than enough.

One of the great Christian minds of our current era gives us a great way to rethink our Lenten journey

This collection of reflections for Lent is excellent. I can not say anymore than that. Wow! Well done! Many thanks!

This was the absolute best Lenten devotional that I've ever read and meditated upon. It blessed me beyond measure. It was timely and on point.

Great content. It's short, less than 5 min but it will cause you to think for hours.

A blessing for my travels through Lent this year. Thank you, Walter Brueggemann. I am sorry to see this daily contemplation end.

One of the few devotional books I’ve read all the way through. Beautiful commentary and thought provoking for the Lenten season.

Insightful and challenging.

I found this devotional book inspirational.

A great book for Lent or any season of the year. Brueggemann gets to the heart of the message and meaning of Jesus.

Contemporary and relevant to our present situation!

I am not far enough into the book to write an adequate review.

This is lent season and you have to read it day by day. So far i like it.

Wish Bruggeman had a devotion book for ordinary time. Easy to read and inspiring. Will read again next year if not throughput the year.

Thoughtful and enlightening.

Very meaningful read throughout Lent.

Poetically profound

This is not Brueggemann's best, but the hope and impact of resurrection oozes from his words. For this, I give it 3 stars. Because of the number of days that Brueggemann must address to cover the Lenten season, much of the material becomes repetitive. You get to the point where you can predict the adjectives and nouns that he's going to use. These minor qualms aside, it is worth a read. Brueggemann is always sharp and evocative, and this volume delivers well in several instances.

excellent resource

Excellent reading material for reflecting the meaning of Lent.

Though perhaps a little disjointed from day to day, this is an excellent devotional which I thoroughly enjoyed and was challenged by.

Great book for reflection on your relationship with the Risen one. Happy Easter, He is risen indeed. Peace to all.

I can do no better than quote my friend Rick Floyd, whose words as the compiler appear as prologue before Walter's Lenten devotions: "Prolonged exposure to Walter’s work performs a kind of alchemy on the soul, gradually transforming our cramped and sclerotic vision into something more capacious and generous." Well worth returning to year in and year out. Rick's prayer flow nicely with the text from Brueggemann.

Wonderfully thoughtful and timely reading.

Good Devotion

Just what I was looking for! I met Walter Brueggemann at a weekend for theological inquiry two decades ago, and have always gained new religious and spiritual insights from reading his works.

Found it dull. Not inspiring. Disappointed.

Walter has done it again. If you are looking for a thoughtful, and Gospel centered devotional for your Lenten season this year look no further. I just ordered 6 copies for our church.

This is an outstanding devotional for Lent or any other time. Brueggemann clarifies Old Testament scripture in a way that is readily applicable to daily living

This review is not about the book, but the "sample." What kind of sample doesn't allow you to read a single word from the book? I'm not going to spend money on it if I have no idea what the content is like.

The sample is nothing more than the table of contents. Please make the sample a few days of reflections.

Two days into Lent -- so far, so good! I love Brueggemann and this is everything I'd hoped for.

As a former Catholic, I’ve always associated Lent with giving things up: meat, candy, whatever. What I love about Walter Brueggemann is that he focuses not on taking away, but ADDING. I’ve never understood how giving up chocolate could make anyone understand Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. They’re different not just in degree, but kind, and the comparison is ridiculous. What is a wonderful idea is adding a good habit to replace a bad one or taking on a cause that makes the world a better place. The 40 days of Lent provides enough time to create a new, more productive habit or to eliminate a destructive or counterproductive habit or to find a new outlet for our Christian love and compassion. Now THAT'S something that will make us better Christians for the rest of the year.

Beautifully crafted reflections taking me daily through the journey of Lent. A joy to savour as daily readings, leading to silence, celebration and hope.

Having enjoyed Professor Brueggemann's Advent companion, this slim book for Lent is a welcome read in the days leading up to Easter. Such wisdom, and so many stimulating thoughts. These two books will go with me for years to come.

A good book to accompany me through Lent with plenty of challenge.