Lent 2026: The Heart of the Matter

Thank you for joining me on this 40-day journey.

In the rhythm of the spiritual year, Lent is often seen as a season of "doing something" - fasting, giving, and striving - of giving our attention to something external.  But this year, I invite you into a season of being and focusing on the internal - our hearts.  A few months ago, I was reading the book of Joel and God’s invitation in chapter 2 verse 13, “Rend your heart and not your garments.  Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.”  God is after our heart.  The Creator desires our heart, but He loves us too much to leave us as we are.  He is also the Restorer.  For me, Lenten season (and all the other days), is a matter of the heart.      

The Bible mentions the "heart" over 800 times. It is described as the wellspring of life, the seat of our will, and the place where we truly meet God. I have chosen Bible verses about the heart and written a reflection - one for each day of the Lenten season.

The goal is looking at transformation - heart transformation.  By spending just a few minutes each day with a single verse, we allow the Word to act as a "spiritual mirror," showing us where we are hardened and what needs to change, where we need healing, and where we are being challenged to live and do things differently.

Each morning (minus Sunday), I will post an entry that includes: a Bible verse, a reflection, and a prayer.  Thank you for choosing to journey with me through Lent.  Whether your heart feels heavy, hopeful, or somewhere in between, there is a word for your heart during this season.

I look forward to traveling these 40 days together.

Grace and peace