explorefaith understands that there is no single way to journey through Lent. We know that following the footsteps of Jesus will take us through places of deep searching and self-examination, yet the way we travel the road through Lent is as personal as the insights we'll find during this six weeks of looking inward, taking stock and reflecting on what is holding us apart from God's embrace.
Our many Lenten resources can be used as the maps, guide books, walking shoes, and compass that will keep you headed in the direction of Easter's glory. This week we give you an overview of these offerings, which we'll be highlighting in more detail in the weeks to come.
explorefaith's beautiful and unique Valentine e-cards are a wonderful way to send special greetings to your loved ones and support our ministry at the same time.
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AVAILABLE ASH WEDNESDAY
Sorting it Out
A Lenten Toolbox for adjusting your focus and supporting your soul
Save on Books from Church Publishing
Save on a wide selection of books written as guides and companions for your Lenten journey.
Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, is a unique time for revisiting the work of the soul and taking stock of what God has done and is doing in us.It is a time for letting go of those things that possess us and lay a claim instead to our own hope in Christ. It offers us the opportunity to stop and bend backward, to reflect and turn towards God.
Practices for Lent—Solitude
As contemporary urban people, we're not used to being alone. We've often learned to depend on the opinions of others for our sense of self, and on our social roles for our sense of meaning. Solitude can thus feel threatening.
Yet Christianity teaches that deliberate times of withdrawal are necessary for true self-knowledge and for communion with God.
Lenten Blessings
Lent condenses the journey of life into 40 days, yet when those days are watched with care and openness, blessings emerge that might never have been expected. Let these blessings be an aid to you on your Lenten journey. May they be holy words that strengthen your soul, words that engender and create life.
I have set before you life and death, blessings and cursings; therefore, choose life, that both you and your descendants may live. —Deutereonomy 30:19
By focusing on connection, coherence, agency, blessing and hope and how they have shaped our experiences, thoughts and feelings, we turn our attention away from death, and choose life instead.
Lord, you have set before us life and death; help us to, more consciously than ever, choose life. Amen.
