Episcopal chaplain and theologian Kathryn Greene-McCreight's book, I Am With You, has been announced as the Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent book for 2016.
Justin Welby has commissioned and written an introduction to Rev Dr Greene-McCreight's book, which he says focusses on "growing closer to God".
For decades, Archbishops of Canterbury have commissioned a Lent book, concentrating on theological or devotional Christian themes around the topic of Lent.
Last year, Archbishop Desmond Tutu's book, In God's hand, was commissioned. Its message was one of hope amid darkness, saying that despite injustices faced in this world, we remain deeply loved and valued by God.
Describing I Am With You in his foreword, Welby said: "The themes of light and darkness, and the use of the pattern of the Offices, give contrast and stability to the unfolding chapter."
The book interweaves close readings of Scripture into a framework following the Offices of the Benedictine day and the seven-day creation story.
"Through the book we travel through day and night, the reality of human experience lived through our lives. At the end the dawn brightens with the hope and certainty of resurrection, the knowledge that in the grace and love of God we are called to eternal life with the one who smashes down the barriers of death," Welby said.
Rather than focussing on dogma or doctrine, the book takes the reader "back to the heart of orthodox Christianity," he added.
"It is about the lived experience of the presence of God in all circumstances and all times, including everything that life can throw at us."
The Archbishop described Lent as "a time of fasting, discipline and study, in order that we may renew our knowledge of His presence.
"That involves a stripping of those things that divide us from God, developing our obedience to His call and venturing deeper into the fire of His love."
Greene-McCreight is associate chaplain at The Episcopal church at Yale and priest affiliate at Christ Church in New Haven, Conneticut. Alongside I am with you, she has written other books including Feminist Reconstructions of Christian Doctrine and Darkness is My Only Companion: A Christian Response to Mental Illness.
