Forty Days, Forty Nights

 

Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to a desert.  There he was tempted by the devil.  Jesus went without food for forty days and forty nights. ~Matthew 4:12

Tomorrow, we begin the holy journey of Lent as we travel the contemplative road to Easter.  This church season is known as a time for penitence, prayer and reflection.  A time to pause and take honest stock of where we are on our spiritual walk with the Lord.

Many Christians choose to abstain from a favorite food or pastime during Lent.  Others may adopt a new discipline or practice.  But whatever route you decide to take, it should be one that brings you alongside Jesus in a more meaningful and intimate way.

For this Lenten season, I am once again employing a marvelous book by friend and fellow blogger, Jean Wise, entitled 40 Voices - A Lenten Devotional.  Here is a perfect description of this book found at Amazon:

If you knew you were dying soon, would you see the people around you differently?  Jesus knew in his last week before the resurrection that the end of his human life neared.  He knew exactly how events would unfold.  He knew what the voices of the people and places around him would say.  40 Voices - A Lenten Devotional captures the words and settings surrounding Jesus that final week, so we hear them with new insights.  Their stories and experiences hold wisdom for us today, and show us the transformational power of the cross.  Jesus' presence in their story predicts his proximity within our story.  Lent offers us a time to deepen our relationship with Jesus and to hear God in new ways . . . Listen to the voices on the way to Calvary and draw closer to Christ.

If you have yet to decide upon a discipline for this Lenten season, I highly recommend Jean' book as your illuminating guide.  I guarantee here thoughts and prayers will enhance and enrich your journey.

Amen!

About the author:

Jean Wise is a writer, speaker and spiritual director.  She serves her local parish as a Deacon, facilitating worship and adult spiritual formation.  Her passion is to help others deepen their walk with Christ.  Jean is also the author of several books in addition to 40 Voices including Spiritual Retreats, Sacred Surroundings, Christmas Crossroads, and Whispers - Being with God in Breath Prayer.  These titles are all available on Amazon.