Struggle to the Cross: A Lenten Study for Individuals and Groups

Struggle to the Cross is a new Lenten study by best-selling author and United Methodist bishop Sharma D. Lewis. Following her 2019-best-seller, Journey to Transformation, Bishop Lewis’ new Lenten study is divided into five sections:

• Lenten Devotional
• Selected Scriptures
• Prayer
• Reflection
• My Action

Bishop Lewis invites readers to observe Lent by introspection, repentance, forgiveness, renewal, prayer, fasting and Biblical study. Each daily reading ends with the “My Action” section, inviting readers to put into practice what they have read and reflected upon. Each Sunday, readers are asked to reflect and journal on the past week’s study using questions provided by the author.

What readers are saying:

Those who yearn for a sense of meaning and divine presence amid life's struggles will find Bishop a compassionate and inspiring companion. Struggle to the Cross is a biblically based and spiritually sensitive practical devotional guide to a deeper experience and understanding of the Cross.

Bishop Kenneth L. Carder
Ruth W. and A. Morris Williams Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Duke Divinity School

The myriad circumstances of the last several years held a mirror up for all of us to see ourselves more authentically. In coming to terms with our reflection, we yearn to engage a deeper, more transformative spirituality. This insightful Lenten resource, with its call to the practice of contemplative study and prayer, provides the means to achieve that depth. We are indebted to Bishop Lewis for this gift.

Bishop LaTrelle Easterling
Washington Area Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church

In Struggle to the Cross, Bishop Sharma Lewis vulnerably reflects on her life of faith while simultaneously challenging the reader to fully accept the grace God offers to each of us. This daily study companion will deepen the richness of your Lenten journey as you grow closer to the living, crucified, and risen Christ. Open the pages of this book to be transformed as you read and reflect each day.

Bishop L. Jonathan Holston
South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church

Bishop Sharma D. Lewis has produced another spiritual devotional gem. I particularly appreciate the structure of the book: Lenten Devotion, Selected Scriptures, Prayer, Reflection, and My Action. My life was blessed and enriched as a result of this Lenten devotion. I am sure many will experience spiritual nourishment and enrichment as they journey through the 40 days of this Lenten devotion.

Lewis T. Kola, DMin., LPC, LMFT
New Horizons Counseling Center, Marrietta, GA

Bishop Lewis invites readers on a journey of transformation through study, prayer, and personal reflection toward peace, renewal, and reconciliation ultimately found in the resurrection. Struggle to the Cross is a beautiful, approachable devotional perfect for both groups and personal use.

Kay Kotan
Author of Being the Church in a Post-Pandemic World