Outlook Lenten devotional available for pre-order!

Although we haven't even yet cooked the turkey, trimmed the tree or lit the first candle of Advent, the Outlook is thinking ahead to the next liturgical season with pre-orders for our 2027 Lenten Devotional — Immediately: Mark's Gospel for an Urgent Time. Short, urgent and startlingly unfinished, the Gospel of Mark was first heard by people living under Roman imperial rule. Read as a whole story, we discover Mark is not primarily a collection of lessons about individual discipleship. It is the story of Jesus launching a renewal movement among subjugated people — and confronting the religious and imperial powers that profit from their suffering. This Lenten devotional by Presbyterian Outlook Editor and Publisher Teri McDowell Ott invites readers to follow Jesus anew through Mark’s Gospel and consider what its vision of courageous community, restorative justice and collective renewal might teach us about faithful resistance and hopeful action today. Drawing on the biblical scholarship of Ched Myers and Sharyn Dowd, this resource places Mark within its original social, political and economic context while inviting readers to consider how Jesus’ call continues to disrupt “business as usual.” Each entry includes Scripture, a focus verse, a theologically rich reflection, a reflection prompt and a closing prayer, along with a weekly visio divina practice. What this devotional offers   A fresh journey through Mark’s urgent Gospel From its opening sentence, Mark moves quickly. Again and again, we encounter one of the Gospel’s favorite words: immediately. Jesus calls ordinary people, crosses boundaries, confronts systems of domination and gathers a community around a radically different way of living. Reflections connecting Jesus’ world with our own By attending to the social, political and economic realities surrounding Mark’s first hearers, these devotions invite readers to consider questions of power, oppression, money, community and resistance — and how following Jesus might reshape our lives together today. Questions that move us from spectators to participants Every devotion includes a reflection prompt designed to help readers step into Mark’s story and consider what following Jesus asks of them, such as: Where do you sense God inviting you to move from spectator to participant? What “center” might God be calling you to turn away from? What might you need to question or let go of to follow Jesus? A weekly visio divina practice Visio divina, or “divine seeing,” invites readers to slow down and encounter God through art. Guided prompts encourage readers to notice what draws their attention, what stirs within them and how the Spirit might be inviting them to see God’s story – and their place within it – in a new way. Who this devotional is for Individuals seeking a Scripture-centered Lenten practice that connects faith with the realities of our world Pastors looking for session, small-group or congregational resources Congregations wanting to journey together through the Gospel of Mark during Lent Anyone wondering what faithful resistance, courageous community and hopeful action might look like today What’s inside 40 days of Scripture-based reflections Daily entries following the Gospel of Mark A focus verse, reflection prompt and closing prayer for each day A weekly visio divina practice Reflections informed by biblical scholarship and Mark’s original social, political and economic context A printable, shareable format for congregational use Why choose a Presbyterian Outlook devotional? Presbyterian Outlook devotionals combine trusted theological insight with practical spiritual formation. Written by Outlook Editor and Publisher Teri McDowell Ott, Immediately: Mark’s Gospel for an Urgent Time blends biblical scholarship, pastoral reflection and real-world relevance, inviting individuals and congregations to read Mark not simply as spectators of Jesus’ story, but as people called to step into it. This Lent, return to the beginning of the good news — and consider where Jesus might be calling you to follow immediately. What do I get when I order? You are purchasing a digital copy of this devotional packet. We will offer the Lenten devotional in multiple forms so that you can use the version that works best for your congregation. Your purchase will include a full PDF book of devotions and individual files for each week of Lent. You can email the devotions to your congregation, or you can print as many as you need. You have the option to print a half-page or full-page booklet. The full-page booklet has a slightly larger font. Each daily entry includes Scripture, a reflection prompt and prayer, with a visio divina practice included each week. We hope these devotions deepen your Lenten journey as you follow Mark’s urgent story toward Christ’s death and resurrection. When will I receive my order? The devotionals will be available for download on January 6, 2027. Those who pre-order will be emailed their devotions on that date. If you order on or after the release date, you will receive the devotions in your inbox within hours of your order. Pre-orders and a sample link are available at the Immediately: Mark’s Gospel for an Urgent Time product page. With expectation, The Outlook Staff We've got daily Advent devotionals and a long list of holiday liturgies to make your worship planning easier!

Advent planning doesn’t have to mean sorting through dozens of books and resources on your own. In this recorded webinar, Amy Pagliarella offers ideas for churches, small groups and individuals.

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