Gentle Rain on Tender Grass: Daily Readings from the Pentateuch

To maintain a consistently close walk with the Lord, the Christian needs to spend time alone with him each day in worship and in studying his Word. We all know this and yet many of us find it difficult to maintain such times and be consistent in the depth of our Bible studies and in our prayers. As aids in what were once called ‘quiet times’, various Bible reading schemes, daily notes and devotional books are readily available. Gentle rain on tender grass is one such publication. The title (taken from Deuteronomy) has been chosen to indicate the need for the daily refreshing of God’s Word.The readings are taken from the Pentateuch and it might first be thought that studies from these early Old Testament books would be heavy-going. But this is not so. Each day’s devotion is lively, straightforward and easy to read.There are studies for 123 days, with two pages for each day. The reader is encouraged to read first the Bible passage for the day and then the devotions, making use of references to expand and deepen the study.Relevant hymn verses are often quoted and each devotion ends with a suggested prayer. Finally a text is proposed for the reader to take into the day.An established author and conference speaker, Sharon James provides a series of studies that are thoughtful, easy to read, challenging and encouraging. Good to own oneself, this book would make an excellent gift to encourage others in their daily devotions. Although intended for personal use, many of the studies could be useful for small Bible study groups.

Pam Newton