Simply Scripture for Lent and Easter

Barb Szyszkiewicz reviews Colleen Reiss Vermuelen's new guide to building a habit of daily Scripture reading. You won't want to wait until Lent to begin!

Simply Scripture for Lent and Easter: A Daily Guide to Reading the Bible

By Colleen Reiss Vermeulen
Publisher: Ave Maria Press

When I looked inside Simply Scripture for Lent and Easter, I was excited to see a prayer format that seems to fit me just right. Each day's entries contain prayer inspiration from the Liturgy of the Hours and the daily Scripture readings, both of which are already part of my prayer routine. Colleen Reiss Vermeulen has taken prayer elements I'm already familiar with and invited me to go deeper.

If you don't pray the Liturgy of the Hours, you can still use this book — and perhaps it will spark your interest in learning more about this beautiful way to pray. The psalm verses from the Liturgy of the Hours open the door to prayerful reflection on the Scripture readings (passages from Mark's Gospel during Lent and the Acts of the Apostles for the Easter season).

This book is designed to be used one, two, or three times per day. In the section called "How to Use This Book," the author shares strategies for adapting the prayers into separate sessions or praying all at once, whichever best fits your schedule and your inclination. It's not so important when you pray ... as long as you pray! There are even ways to incorporate these elements into your family prayer time.

What you'll find in each day's prayers

Each day's prayer entries include:

• A Psalm verse from Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours)
• A sentence or two based on this verse, to aid in your contemplation, followed by a brief prayer
• Introduction to the day's Scripture reading
• Scripture reference for that day's reading (bring your own Bible)
• A Scripture verse each week to memorize, from Evening Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours)
• Invitation to respond to God's word, with questions to ponder
• Closing prayer

This looks like a lot, but it doesn't need to be overwhelming. You can use as much or as little of this material as you like, and what works for you on some days of the week might not be the same as what works on other days!

An invitation to fruitful prayer

Ahead of Lent (which begins March 5), treat yourself to a copy of Simply Scripture for Lent and Easter — and a new journal to go along with it. Then, resolve to spend some time each day in prayer with this excellent resource as your guide.

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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