For the past few years, God has continued to nudge me about the importance of spending quiet time with Him each day. Much of the literature I have read lately has affirmed the value of these meditative moments.
As the season of Lent approaches, I am feeling compelled to be more purposeful about setting aside some “Godtime” each day.
Some years ago, a friend recommended “40 Days to a Closer Walk with God” by J.David Muyskens.
In his Preface, Muyskens states: This book has two purposes. First, to explore a practice of prayer that leads to deep communion with God. Second, to encourage a way of life motivated by the Divine Presence at the center of your being.
I loved the book, and looked forward to that silent and intimate space each day with God – so much that I intend to go through the book again, this time during Lent – and I invite you to consider doing the same.
Growing up, Lent was always a time when we had to decide what we were going to “give up”. Candy was a common sacrifice – and we looked forward to Sundays when we could indulge. In my adult years, I opted to eliminate coffee, wine, or potato chips (the ultimate of my culinary evils!)
I have to embarrassingly confess….sometimes my resolve didn’t even last until the first Sunday.
How about a fresh approach to Lent this year? Rather than considering this a time of sacrifice, think of it as a time of receiving – and indulge in some uninterrupted encounters with the Lord.
Pencil in a daily “spiritual spa treatment”, with long lasting benefits.
The cost is minimal – the book is available from most major online bookstores – and your time is free (well, sort of).
If you are anything like me, you already have a stack of books on hand that you are reading, or intending to read. But I can’t think of a better way to spend a few minutes each day than growing closer to God.
We will begin the book on Wednesday, February 22, which is Ash Wednesday. If we time the book to finish on Easter, it suggests that we do not do a reading on Sunday.
Please think and pray about this opportunity – and, if you think it is right for you, I would love it if you would join in this spiritual exploration.
What a wonderful journey to share….
Be still, and know that I am God. ~Psalm 46:10
beWARM 
I look forward to this with you!!! Thanks for encouraging this opportunity…
Much love, Louise
So happy you will join us!
I haven’t decided on my Lenten walk yet, Toni, but this sounds fascinating. I like your image of the spiritual spa treatment! No matter what I choose for reflection, know that I hold you in my heart and am walking with you! The sliver Nambe heart is on my prayer table holding a tea light … we begin spiritual direction next week … you and the others are VERY present as we begin our walk here!
I think of that tea light as a symbol of God’s light that burns deeply within you, Susan! May others continue to be blessed as you share His light with them.
I have ordered the book and hope to have it here by next week – I would love to walk this path with you.
It will be a joy to do this together!
I’m in, one more time! What a faith-builder it will be when we share God’s activity in our souls! I loved the joy of experiencing His incomparable sweetness – can’t wait to “begin again”…
Wonderful! Glad to have you, Betty!
I’m in, Toni! Thank you! Ordering the book right after this. Praise God via Toni!
Great, Mary Jane! Anticipating that through this, we will all grow closer to Him…..