I first encountered Justin McRoberts at the Jubilee Conference in Pittsburgh in 2009. The conference still holds a fond place in my memory because it’s where I acknowledged and accepted a call to ministry (which appropriately happened in the convention center’s bar). Justin’s music that weekend played a big role in breaking down my personal walls, and I’ve enjoyed following his career since then. He rolls through Jacksonville from time to time, and it’s always great reconnecting with him and hearing about his art and his community.

I first encountered Scott Erickson when he was the resident artist at Ecclesia Church in Houston, TX. In the summer of 2011, Scott delivered a sermon which fundamentally changed how I think of Christian discipleship, and talking with him afterward gave me a fresh perspective on church ministry (especially large churches, visual art in worship, and the danger of the prosperity gospel). He remains one of my favorite contemporary artists, and his instagram feed is a constant source of awe and reflection.

Until a few years ago, I had no idea these guys even knew each other, let alone that they created a book together.

Prayer: Forty Days of Practice presents a fusion of two outstanding artists. Scott’s poignant illustrations perfectly echo Justin’s inviting single-sentence prayers, and reading through this book over the recommended forty days makes an outstanding practice for Lent. I’ve used the previous paperback version for Lent in years past, allowing Justin’s striking words and Scott’s haunting images to guide my reflection for the day. Justin and Scott recently released an updated hardback edition of the book, and I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an advance copy, so I know what I’ll be using for Lent this year. I can’t recommend this book strongly enough, and I’m looking forward to its upcoming companion: May It Be So: Forty Days with the Lord’s Prayer.

So yeah, pick up a copy of Prayer and join me in meditating on it this Lent!