With Ash Wednesday just around the corner, I am pleased to announce that we are releasing our fifth edition of Prayerful Reflections.
Prayerful Reflections: Lent 2023 is a daily resource for connecting with God and the larger Christian community during the season of Lent, the 45 days prior to Easter.
Inspired by the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, or sacred listening, each daily reflection will be an opportunity to Read the Bible, Reflect on the message, Respond to what we have heard, and Rest in the love of God. This devotional could be read independently or with a community. If you would like to connect virtually, the reflections are posted daily at www.spiritualdirectionwithjulia.com/blog or you can download a PDF of the full devotional here: www.spiritualdirectionwithjulia.com/prayerful-reflections/
I started publishing Prayerful Reflections in 2021 as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the new reality of socially-distanced churches. An online devotional seemed like the appropriate way for Christians from around the world to connect in their shared identity in Christ, especially during Lent and Advent. I also published Prayerful Reflections out of a deep yearning to share my thoughts about God and to amplify the voices of female theologians. You will notice that all 45 authors presented in this devotional are women. Jesus called women to proclaim the Good News to the world, not just to women or children, but also to men. So although this devotional is written by all women, it is meant for ALL people.
I want to thank all of the women who made this volume of Prayerful Reflections possible. Your time, thought, prayers and insight are invaluable. I also want to thank the family and friends that supported me and all of the authors, so that we could have the time and space to contribute to this book and blog series.
Please share this excellent spiritual formation resource with your faith community: www.spiritualdirectionwithjulia.com/prayerful-reflections.