Finding God in Unexpected Places: Lenten Movie Series
In Finding God in Unexpected Places, Knox Presbyterian Church invites congregations and individuals to embrace Lent not only through prayer and fasting, but through storytelling. This Lenten Movie Series features six widely available secular films—not overtly Christian, but rich with moments where “God whispers” through human experience. Each week’s guide includes a thought-provoking quote from the film, a paired Scripture reading, and a focus on the spiritual resonance embedded in everyday stories.
The series does not prescribe traditional faith content; instead, it asks participants to look again—to listen attentively to themes of grace, identity, inclusion, and transformation in the characters' journeys. Whether gathered in a church hall or watching at home, the resource turns movie watching into a sacred practice.
Important Notes:
Movie availability must be monitored on streaming platforms as it varies.
Viewer discretion is advised due to occasional mature content in films.
How You Might Use this Resource
Use this guide to form a Lenten film discussion group—gather a small cohort each week to watch the assigned film, reflect on the provided Scripture and quote, and explore where they sense God at work in the story. Alternatively, offer it as a personal devotional practice with journaling prompts or integrate the films into youth or adult formation programs. This is an ideal way to reframe familiar media through a theological lens.
Movie Listing:
Lent 1: The Princess Bride (1987) - Free Will
Lent 2: Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022) - Visible to God
Lent 3: Maid in Manhatten (2002) - Integrity
Lent 4: The Green Mile (1999) - Sacrificial Love
Lent 5: Operation Mincemeat (2021) - Betrayal
Lent 6: The Matrix Revolutions (2003) - A Choice