Praying with the Church Through Lent by Fr. Edward Looney

How recollected are you during the Collect, the Opening Prayer at Mass? To assist you in entering more deeply into the Mass and the mysteries of this sacred season, Fr. Edward Looney offers short daily meditations and reflection questions so that you may absorb all the richness of the prayers in the liturgy.

Whether over a cup of coffee or while resting in the Lord’s Presence before or after Mass, these meditations inspire both fruitful contemplation and vibrant group discussion. Fr. Looney reveals to you how to follow the inspirations of the Holy Spirit more fully and intentionally. Journaling pages are included to help you remember the Lord’s mercies and strengthen the resolutions that come to you during the time of prayer.

As you seek to imitate Christ more closely, you will discover:

Ways to open your heart to receive the healing graces God has prepared for you
Five aids God provides to strengthen you when you are weak
“Weapons” that will help you attain victory in the battle against spiritual evils
The advantages brought by fasting, self-denial, small acts of love, and charitable works
Why repentance and frequent Confession bring true freedom
How to develop a concrete game plan to benefit your soul on the journey to Heaven
These practical and relational meditations will help you grow in self-knowledge and wisdom in the “school” of the Holy Eucharist, Our Lady, and the saints. You will experience how God delights in you, grow in wholehearted devotion, and enjoy renewal in body, mind, and spirit.

Endorsements

“‘What should I do for Lent?’ is the wrong question. ‘How is Christ calling me this Lent?’ is far better. Fr Looney walks with us, through Scripture and Church Tradition, to hear the voice of Christ during Lent.” -Joe Laramie

“In Praying with the Church Through Lent, Fr. Edward Looney invites us into a profound journey of reflection and prayer that resonates deeply with the spirit of the Lenten season. Fr. Edward masterfully guides readers through daily meditations, revealing the rich tapestry of the Church’s language of prayer and the rhythm of liturgical life. As we engage with the sacred texts, we find ourselves better equipped to carry the grace of the Mass and the Lenten season into the world beyond the pews. This thoughtful approach not only enhances our spiritual lives but also enriches our communal experience of the beauty of our Catholic Faith. By journeying through Lent in this way, we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter with renewed awareness, gratitude, and grace.” -Julianne Stanz

“Through this Lenten devotional, Fr. Edward Looney invites you to sit with and meditate upon the Collect of the day, taking to your heart the intentions of the Church. Each day, Fr. Looney provides a short reflection on the day's Collect. He intentionally ties it to the sacraments, sacramentals, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints, before concluding with a few questions to help you ponder the mysteries of the Church. His book also calls you to action, motivating you to take new steps every day to ascend the steps of piety. This devotional is a perfect Lenten companion for anyone. The concise yet deep meditations will suit everyone, from busy parents to contemplative monks. It is sure to instill in you a love for the Church, a deeper appreciation for the liturgy, and a deep desire for Heaven.” -Sachin Jose

320 Pages, Paperback