As we journey through this season of Lent, one book has captured the attention of many.
Sales of “The Way” by St. Josemaría Escrivá have soared, thanks to Hallow’s annual Lent Pray40 Challenge.
This year, the challenge has prompted listeners to dive deeper into the writings of the Spanish saint, bringing his most famous book to the forefront of spiritual reading.
A Rise in Rankings on Amazon
It’s no surprise that “The Way” has been climbing the charts.
The book hit No. 1 on Amazon’s “Christian Inspirational” and “Christian Devotionals” lists, and it also claimed the top spot in “Inspirational Spirituality.”
Additionally, it found itself at No. 5 on Amazon’s “Religion and Spirituality” list and even No. 33 on the general books list.
These impressive rankings highlight the growing interest in Escrivá’s spiritual insights during this reflective season of Lent.
Hallow’s Challenge: A Perfect Companion for Lenten Prayer
This year, Hallow has chosen “The Way” as a companion to its Lenten Pray40 Challenge.
The book is a collection of 999 reflections designed to guide readers in prayer and inspire a closer connection to God.
Escrivá’s reflections encourage readers to grow in their love for God, to live for Him, and to engage in meaningful conversations with Him.
A Glimpse Into Escrivá’s Spiritual Life
St. Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei in 1928, crafted “The Way” based on his personal experiences and reflections.
John Coverdale, a scholar and author of several books on Opus Dei, explained to CNA how Escrivá kept a journal during the early years of his work.
The book captures both personal encounters and profound insights from his own prayer life.
Coverdale emphasized that “The Way” invites readers into a simple, yet deeply personal, approach to prayer.
Rather than relying on complex theology, the book encourages individuals to integrate prayer into their daily lives, fostering a genuine and ongoing relationship with God.
A Simple Yet Profound Message of Prayer
One passage from “The Way” that resonates deeply with Coverdale and many others reads:
“To pray is to talk with God. But about what? About him, about yourself: joys, sorrows, successes and failures, noble ambitions, daily worries, weaknesses! And acts of thanksgiving and petitions: and love and reparation.
In a word: to get to know him and to get to know yourself: to get acquainted!”
Coverdale believes this straightforward message makes prayer approachable for many, stating, “Prayer doesn’t have to be some complicated exercise… it’s simply to talk with God.”
For him and countless others, this easy-to-understand invitation to grow in prayer is a key reason why “The Way” remains so impactful today.