Russell J. Levenson Jr. has been an ordained Episcopal priest for over thirty years and the spiritual advisor to thousands. He served as Rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, the largest Episcopal Church in North America, for seventeen years until his recent retirement. Levenson co-officiated and offered a homily at the state funeral for President George H.W. Bush in Washington, D.C. and in Houston. He also officiated and preached at the funeral for First Lady Barbara Bush in Houston. He is the author of many books, including In God's Grip and the acclaimed, Witness to Dignity. He lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

“Russ Levenson’s Lenten devotions breathe with the air of a seasoned pastor and preacher. With his characteristic wit and Southern charm—and many, many good stories—Levenson brings the gospel to life. Above all, he shows what it looks like to devote one’s life to the only one who deserves our allegiance, Christ Jesus our Savior. One could look for no better path to wholeness.”—The Rev. Christopher A. Beeley, PhD, Director of the Anglican Episcopal House of Studies, Jack and Barbara Bovender Professor of Theology, Anglican Studies, and Ministry, Duke University Divinity School