Wilderness Within is a fresh take on a familiar tale. Sr. Jopsephine Garrett, a mental health counselor, takes the reader on a guided journey of their own personal wilderness through the season of Lent. The journey is not a fun, fresh, or delightful one, but rather, an insightful, necessary, and humble one. Pack light, as the intent is to unpack what is in your heart that may be keeping you from walking in the fullness of all that Lent has to offer. I have appreciated the thoughtful approach with new perspectives each week leading to the final week of holy week. I chose to read through on my own but can appreciate where it would also be a good small group selection. Included in each reading is a quote or reflection. probing questions to encourage you to explore your own heart, suggested prayers, and room to journal. I appreciated the actionable resources as well, like discovering the charisms you’ve been gifted, or the resources made available through Ave Maria Press including the leader’s guide). The artwork is beautiful and has more information available through the links provided to Ave Maria Press as well. This is one Lenten resource I will look forward to pulling out again and again as I allow the Lord to meet me where I am and rescue me from my own wilderness.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Part meditation and part journal, Wilderness Within is a thorough guide for the Lenten season written by a Sister and mental health counselor. With several included companion pieces, this guide offers not only spiritual reading but also exercises often drawing from the field of psychology. This element in particular is what drew me to this book.

This is perhaps the most extensive Lenten guide I’ve come across so far in my life. The exercises are extremely introspective while maintaining an ultimate focus on faith, which, nowadays, can be tricky to find. I appreciate how much thought went into this book and that it includes further reading/watching with links scattered throughout. Though I’ve read the book outside of Lent, I believe this book is a great starting point for people looking to do more than give up something. I would also say it can be used as a guide for everyday spiritual journaling.

Thanks to Ave Maria Press and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book.

It's early to think about Lent--after all, we haven't gotten through Advent and Christmas yet--but you should definitely put the Wilderness Within on your wish list.

This incredible work is a guided journal for prayer and meditation during Lent. The author, Sister Josephine Garrett, has created a spiritual masterpiece. With grace and wisdom, she gets to the heart of the matter.

Her prose is elegant, yet down-to-earth. She is not only a gifted spiritual guide; she is also an insightful student of human behavior. As a result, she has created a journal which can lead readers to true spiritual progress.

I must admit--I have been a fan of Sister Josephine for quite some time. But with Wilderness Within, her writing has reached new heights.

The journal is likely to be a much-treasured companion for your journey through Lent--and beyond.