TARRY AWHILE by Selina Stone, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Book, is one of the most profound and beautifully written Lent books that I have ever read. The overarching theme is given in the subtitle Wisdom from Black spirituality for people of faith. Dr Stone has penetrating, wise insights for all Christian traditions from her being embedded in Black Pentecostal worship and spirituality, a deep academic and inclusive understanding of scripture, and great experience of community development among the poor and excluded.

To “tarry”, a word taken from the Authorised Version, means to linger in expectation, to abide. It is a Black Pentecostal spiritual discipline to give time to wait on and with God, concern for those in need, and a spiritual care of oneself.

This book would be excellent, if one just wanted to read on one’s own. But also, because Stone has divided it into seven main themes, it would work well for a Lent study group. Sadly, even some good Lent books have questions for discussion which are singularly banal, but her questions for reflection are challenging and compelling. The themes begin with an exploration of “Darkness”. Stone opens up the scriptural ambiguities of light and dark, as well as white and black.

The next theme, “One”, calls for a holistic reconciling all things and an escape from “either/or” thinking. “Movement” imaginatively uses Abraham as a model for belonging in hostile environments.

The fourth theme of “Spirit” shares the Charismatic and Pentecostal insight of Spirit as a force for holy disruption, leading to the Spirit of justice. “Quiet” is a key theme discussing how in embracing quiet, out of the silence, one can find God and oneself. The “Healing” theme uses the story of the woman with the haemorrhage to show that healing is not just about individual suffering, but about shared pain and about community, healing together. From this, Stone offers brilliant insights into the HIV/AIDS experiences in the UK and Africa.

I found that the theme about “Weeping” was one of the most powerful in the book. Stone writes: “Disappointment is often the source of our grief and our weeping in this life.” Deeply, she opens up this insight and helps with how to cope with disappointment, by using the contrasting biblical models of Judas, Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Jesus. On this “Weeping” theme, one of the most beautiful passages is on tarrying with Mary, Mother of the Crucified. After her own mother’s death, Stone, terribly grieving, took a break in Rome. Entering a church, she saw a painting of Mary holding the dead, crucified Jesus. Then she had the unforgettable experience of feeling Mary holding her. Abide with me; tarry awhile.

The Ven. Dr Lyle Dennen is a former Archdeacon of Hackney, in London.

Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black spirituality for people of faith (The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Book 2024)
Selina Stone
SPCK £11.99
(978-0-281-09010-5)
Church Times Bookshop £9.59