Praying with the Church Through Lent

Barb Szyszkiewicz reviews the new book of daily Lenten meditations by Father Edward Looney.

Praying with the Church Through Lent

By Father Edward Looney
Publisher: Sophia Institute Press

Father Edward Looney's new book of daily Lenten meditations is inspired by the Collect (the Opening Prayer at Mass, also used during the Liturgy of the Hours). In Praying with the Church Through Lent, Father Looney shares reflections on the Collect for each day of the season.

Reflections Based on a Prayer We Often Miss

Between music ministry every Sunday and lectoring at daily Mass twice a week, I'm often a little bit distracted when the Collect is prayed during Mass. I admit to being focused on my next cue, so I'll do (or sing) what I need to at the right time. Before I know it, the Collect has gone by and all I hear is, "Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen."

The Collect is a beautiful prayer, though, and I don't want to miss it! Just as we are encouraged to read and reflect on the Mass readings ahead of time (or even after Mass, if that's what your schedule permits), we can reflect on the Collect as well and make it part of our personal prayer, whether or not we pray the Liturgy of the Hours.

A Format for Daily Prayer

Father Looney opens each day's entry with the Collect, which is printed on a page by itself. I found that using a large card as a bookmark allowed me to cover the facing page, so I can focus completely on the Collect for a few moments before moving forward.

Next, each day there is a two-page reflection. Father Looney is excellent at offering clear explanations that help the reader make a connection between prayer, Lenten disciplines, and living the Christian life. Finally, three reflection questions close each day's entry. There is generous space to write your answers in the book beneath each question.

This book is undated, with each entry referred to only as the day within the liturgical year: for example, Ash Wednesday, Friday of the First Week of Lent, Third Sunday in Lent. That means it can be used year after year (especially if you write your responses to the questions in a journal rather than the book). 

The reflections in Praying with the Church Through Lent span the full season and include Easter Sunday as a bonus. I'm hoping that in the future, Father Looney will write Praying with the Church Through Easter. That would be a beautiful companion volume to this excellent book.

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Barb Szyszkiewicz
Images: Canva
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