I am a believer in taking up something for Lent, instead of giving something up. Giving up chocolate, candy, coffee or anything else is only going to make you tired and cranky. The rest of the world will be miserable because you are miserable.
That is not how you
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Mark 12:31
(NIV)
Instead attend a Bible Study, go volunteer at a non-profit close to your heart, or start an fitness program. (The next round of Faithful Finish Lines starts 2/28.)
Another Option
Now if none of those appeal to you, I triple dog dare you to try Mark Batterson’s Draw the Circle; The 40 Day Prayer Challenge. The book has 40 daily devotions that encourage you to pray big, bold, audacious prayers.
Some of Mark’s lessons are about:
- our prayers not being bold enough
- not talking to the mountains about God
- not praying long enough (think what would have happened at Jericho if the Israelites had stopped circling the city on day 5 or day 6.)
The Challenge
I challenge everyone of my readers to purchase a copy of Mark’s book (non-affiliate link) and participate in the challenge with me starting on February 10th (Ash Wednesday) and ending on Easter. (Sunday’s in Lent do not count – but once you start this challenge you will not want to stop.)
Requirements
Besides the book you will need a pen, hiliter, and journal or notepad. You will want to write your prayers and circle them. It will be helpful if you have your Bible so you can look up specific verses and read the entire passage, if you so desire.
You will also need to set aside some time everyday to read the devotion and then pray about your requests. Do not be afraid to write down the verses that speak to you, claim them as promises, and circle them. Yes, writing in your Bible is also perfectly acceptable.
God’s Obligation To This Challenge
Oh and by the way – God is under no obligation to answer your prayer requests. However after you are done with this challenge, and quite possibly before, you will see God working in your life – somehow, someway if you just open your eyes.
My Why?
Why did I pick this to do during lent? It’s simple. I am currently on Day 23 of the challenge and God is working on my bigger, bolder prayers.
You should have heard the lecture I gave my mountains (career, expenses) about God and how He will level them with just a blink of His eye.
I will update you on what is happening in my life during the challenge. This might not be until after 2/19 as I am involved in a project the first part of February that will be time consuming and keep me on my toes. Time to write might be very limited for a little while.
Are You Ready To Draw Circles?
This challenge is open to all my readers no matter what religion. All you need is a willingness to boldly go where you have not gone before.
Please email me at Michele dot Kearns at JoyReturns dot com as I want to hear how God is working in your life this lenten season.
Today is 1/25 and Lent starts on 2/10 so you have a little over 2 weeks to get the book and your supplies.
JoyReturns 
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