Lent 2025 Draw Near: A Lenten Journey with your Word of the Year (Email Preview)

March 5th marked the beginning of the Lenten season of preparation for Easter. As a company, we see the spiritual significance of this season and wanted to take time to be intentional in our time of seeking God as we look forward to celebrating the biggest victory of God in history - Jesus' death and resurrection. To that end, we started the Draw Near challenge, a Lenten journey of journaling with your word of the year. 

I have really enjoyed writing these emails and sharing these prompts, so thought that I could give you a preview here in case it is something you still want to join in on! Each week will incorporate a reflection on a core theme or practice of Lent and three journaling prompts you can use alongside your word of the year. You can sign up and access the archive of previous reflections and prompts HERE!

Here was our email for Friday, March 21st, on the subject of prayer:

Hello, friends!

Last week we touched on the core Lenten practice of fasting, and today I'd love to guide us in a reflection on another core Lenten practice: prayer.

This week, warmer weather and the hints of spring's imminent arrival has been a major source of joy for me. Living in Canada means that winter is a long, cold slog most years (I am not yet one of the sporty ones that enjoy the slopes or other snowy outdoor adventures, I hear that helps!).

One major source of my spring joy: this year, spring's arrival means the first time my daughter can go outside and play in warm weather as an independent walker! Once she got a taste of this new freedom, she was hooked. She now frequently comes to me with her shoes and coat in hand, eagerly pointing towards the door because she wants to go outside to experience the thrill of the outdoors again. She is having a blast taking her little baby cat stuffed animal in her toddler stroller for walks down our street and to the park. Yes, it is as cute as it sounds :)

She's having such an enjoyable time, however, that coming in means most days having a meltdown.

One of my favorite aspects of prayer is its ability to ground me in the present moment. The best times of prayer are when I am aware of God's presence, honest about my feelings, and just fully in the moment with Him. Whether or not the prayer contains wrestling with something hard, being present with God is a breath of fresh, spring air to my soul.

My daughter's meltdowns after coming in from outside remind me of this reality of presentness with God in prayer. When I set down the distraction and give time and attention to God in prayer, I experience Him in a direct, present way, and He refreshes my soul. Nothing else satisfies like that. Like my daughter coming out of winter and experiencing spring for the first time, everything else is a letdown, and I can't wait to get back to Him and His presence again soon.

Why do I settle for less than this? Life? Fullness of joy? Pleasures forevermore? That's what we're all seeking.

I invite you to lean into prayer this week. Spend present time with God. Remember how it feels. Come back to it often. Continually. This is our inheritance, and not just for a season, but for the rest of eternity.

JOURNALING PROMPTS FOR THIS WEEK:

1. What are some Bible verses that incorporate your word of the year, or ideas related to your word of the year?

   Use one of these passages as a jumping off point for prayer. Journal or talk to God about whatever comes to mind as you are reading this verse or the verses around this verse.

   ​Check out this interview with Donald S. Whitney to hear more about praying Scripture ​→

2. Over and over, the Bible connects faith with seeing the outcome to our prayers (Hebrews 11:1, James 1:6, Mark 11:24).

   What does big faith look like in regards to your word of the year, and the growth you hope comes this year from it? What big request can you ask God for?

   If you find faith for this big request challenging, journal about why. Give your hurts, doubts, and questions to God. Write down any response you hear from Him during your prayer time.

3. Prayer is not just talking to God, it is also listening to God.

   Set aside time this week to not only pray, but to listen for God's voice while you pray. Journal what you hear Him speaking to you.

   Start off with only a few minutes, if this is not something you're used to doing. Ask Him a question, about your word of the year or otherwise, and write down what you hear in response.

   We weigh what we hear against Scripture always. It's also a great idea to talk with other mature believers about what you're hearing. But in His word, God promises to speak to us (John 10:27 is one example)! Don't be afraid to get it wrong, just keep seeking to grow here. Over time, the more you practice, this listening muscle will grow!