This was a lovely book to read and an extremely helpful one for a Lenten journey. Joyce Rupp provides hope and comfort for anyone suffering from grief or depression or generally finding life difficult. She discusses a Bible passage for each day, offers a prayer, and gives guidance on how we can improve as we travel through Lent.

She also offers a different perspective on several of the Parables, and writes about how Jesus would have felt at various stages of his life. For example, I was surprised by her thoughts about the story of how Jesus fell fast asleep on a boat during a raging storm. Most writers focus on the scared disciples, and how Jesus wakes up to calm the storm. However, she reflects that he was probably suffering from compassion fatigue, and needed rest and rejuvenation.

I read this book straight through in order to review it, but I hope to also read a passage each day during Lent.story, because it is so helpful.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

With short meditations for each day of Lent, along with questions for discussion, this book is best suited for groups.

Outstandingly honest and helpful. This book is like a loving, compassionate nudge guiding you to Jesus for help during your Lenten journey.

Joyce Rupp is an incredible writer, and the text was easy to read and enjoyable. She focused on the reality of life and gave us appropriate advice with the help of Jesus while we looked at his acts and words. Every day we get to look at a Bible passage, and the author writes about how it applies to us and how we can learn from it, adding her own experiences. The day ends with a prayer and a "Today:" task. It was so pleasant to read that I am looking forward to her other works. The book is worth reading it again and again, even outside of Lent.

Would I recommend the book? Yes, I would, and here is to whom:

Everyone should read this book. We are all in this world together, and while we may not face the same issues, we are guaranteed to have at least one of the struggles mentioned. This book helps to get a better view of it and how to handle it healthily, to help ourselves and others.

I even recommend this to people that aren't religious or spiritual. This book is excellent guidance to feel better with the help of Jesus, and he is there for everyone. Even those who do not believe in him, making this book a versatile piece to overcome hardships.

I recommend this book to people who don't read much or don't read at all. Only reading the bible passage, prayer, or "Today:" task can do a lot. Still, the writing is accessible and not overly complicated, so giving every word a chance to move you shouldn't be too difficult.

I have a friend for whom Joyce Rupp books are primary spiritual companions. I can see why after reading Jesus, Companion in My Suffering: Reflections for the Lenten Journey.

Rupp has a down-to-earth, accessible writing style that enables the reader to easily contemplate fundamental truths. She is especially adept at making sense out of the cross of suffering.

As Rupp writes, "Not only do we benefit from the strength of our kinship with other humans who know loss, illness, and defeat, but also we have a guide at the heart of Christianity to assist us in being with those pains. In Jesus, we find insight and inspiration to encounter our struggles, along with the assurance of being able to move through and beyond those heartaches."

If you are experiencing any type of a loss, I highly recommend Jesus, Companion in My Suffering. The book may not take your pain away, but it just might help you to develop the strength and courage you need to carry your cross with grace.