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Home » Lent Reading: 40 Days of Psalms

Lent Reading: 40 Days of Psalms

January 25, 2018 Sarah Belanger 12 Comments

Lent Reading: 40 Days of Psalms | Sincerely Anchored | www.sincerelyanchored.com

 

The 40 days leading up to Easter are called Lent. Growing up, I thought that Lent was something my Catholic relatives did where they didn’t eat meat on Fridays. I never really understood why it was an important tradition and never really asked. I just figured that I wasn’t Catholic, so it didn’t apply to me.

Then a friend of mine from high school said that they were giving up Facebook for Lent, and I was like, “Uh, you’re not Catholic; why are you doing Lent?” This opened my mind to learn more about what Lent really is and how I can deepen my relationship with God.

 

The Number 40

The word Lent actually comes from a word meaning “spring.” It’s a time of reflection, focusing on who God is and how He showed His love by sending His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. The 40 Days of Lent reminds us of other times in the Bible where the number 40 is used:

  • 40 years the Jews wandered in the wilderness
  • 40 days given to Ninevah
  • 40 days that Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Law
  • 40 days Jesus was in the wilderness facing temptation from Satan
  • 40 days Jesus was with his disciples after the resurrection

 

What to do during Lent

The Bible does not come out and give you specific orders that you must do or not do during Lent. Focus on taking time for personal reflection and repentance and let God guide you through the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to convict you of an area you need to change.

Is there something in your life taking up too much time or energy and preventing you from spending time in prayer or reading the Word? Remove it from your life. I’ve seen people remove social media for that reason.

Are you spending too much money on your morning coffee or eating lunch out instead of giving to others who could use a financial blessing? Give it to your church or a reputable charity. Or even give directly to a family you know who is struggling -no strings attached.

Are you struggling with being content with what you have and find yourself being envious of people around you? Focus on counting your blessings. Start a gratitude journal like my monthly prompts here.

 

40 Days of Psalms

Something I started doing a couple years ago is taking the 40 days of Lent to read through the Book of Psalms. It’s amazing how easy it is to relate to the writers 3,000+ years ago! I might not have a King trying to kill me or anything like that, but I have certainly faced different trials in my life. And there are times when I wonder why God is allowing me to go through hard times.

Reading David’s cries have helped me to realize that God doesn’t want zombie believers who do things only because it’s what we think we’re supposed to do. I’ve learned that God wants my heart. He wants me to share my joys and hurts with Him. He wants me to acknowledge my pain and rely on Him for comfort. He wants to give us strength where we are weak. It’s more than just religion; it’s a relationship.

I invite you to join me this year as a I read through the Psalms. It’s 150 chapters, many of which are short and one that is long, but very doable. The 40 Days of Lent does not include Sundays. Use those days as a make-up day if you had trouble finishing your week or as a day of rest to reflect on what you’ve learned in Psalms or from your message at church that day.

 

40 Days of Psalms Reading Plan

 

 

Lent 2019 starts on March 6th

Sign up here to receive your 2019 Free Printable of the 40 Days of Psalms

40 DAYS OF PSALMS

FREE Reading Plan Printable

Download your copy of the 40 Days of Psalms – 2019 Reading Plan and focus your faith through the Psalms leading up to Easter. You’ll be added to my email list for more updates, stories of faith, printables, and promotions.



 

Thanks for Subscribing!

I’m so glad to have you join me for 40 Days of Psalms leading up to Easter! Your free Psalms Reading Plan printable is being sent to the email address you subscribed with. Please shoot me a reply to let me know you received it. Our reading starts on March 6th for 40 Days (excluding Sundays). Let’s grow deeper in the Word, Anchored in Him!

Sarah 



 

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Comments

  1. Marcie says

    January 25, 2018 at 1:26 pm

    I like the concept that people can celebrate Lent even if they aren’t Catholic. It’s a good opportunity to take a step back from technology (or sugary treats) and cleanse a bit.

    Reply
    • Sarah Belanger says

      January 25, 2018 at 9:02 pm

      YES! It’s good for our waistlines too! haha

      Reply
  2. Courtney says

    January 25, 2018 at 4:27 pm

    I can’t wait to do this! I have been looking for a way to get more and more into the bible and I always have tried to do more especially during Lent.

    Great post!

    Reply
    • Sarah Belanger says

      January 25, 2018 at 9:02 pm

      Thanks, Courtney! I hope it helps you

      Reply
  3. Leigh Suznovich says

    January 25, 2018 at 5:47 pm

    This is fantastic as we go into the Lent season soon. It’s always important to take time to reflect.

    Reply
    • Sarah Belanger says

      January 25, 2018 at 9:01 pm

      That’s so true

      Reply
  4. Shannon | Shannie Chic says

    January 25, 2018 at 8:44 pm

    As a Catholic, I am always looking for help and guidance. This is great, thank you so much for helping me get ready for another Lenten season!

    Reply
    • Sarah Belanger says

      January 25, 2018 at 9:01 pm

      That’s wonderful! I’m glad I can help.

      Reply
  5. Julie I Aloha Lovely says

    January 26, 2018 at 1:59 pm

    I am not religious but these seem like practical wellness and self-care ideas as well!

    Reply
    • Sarah Belanger says

      January 26, 2018 at 3:26 pm

      Thanks for your thoughts, Julie!

      Reply
  6. Connie Terwilliger says

    February 6, 2018 at 3:57 pm

    I’m in.

    Reply
    • Sarah Belanger says

      February 6, 2018 at 4:19 pm

      Yes! We can hold each other accountable.

      Reply

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About Sarah

Hey there, I'm Sarah!

I'm a Navy wife, 5yo Mom, grad student, musician, and unsweetened iced tea-oholic (is that a word?), obsessed with my Boston Terrier. I write on topics of faith, family, grief & loss, and home.

Life can be tough, but there's always hope, and hope anchors the soul. I'd love to hear from you any time: sarah@sincerelyanchored.com

Visit www.anchoredjournals.com for Resources to Grow in the Grace and Knowledge of Jesus Christ!

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Read through the Psalms

40 DAYS OF PSALMS

FREE Reading Plan Printable

Download your copy of the 40 Days of Psalms - 2019 Reading Plan and focus your faith through the Psalms. You'll be added to my email list for more updates, stories of faith, printables, and promotions. 

Thanks for Subscribing!

I'm so glad to have you join me for the 40 Days of Psalms leading up to Easter! Your free Psalms Reading Plan printable is being sent to the email address you subscribed with. Please shoot me a reply to let me know you received it. Our reading starts on March 6th for 40 Days (excluding Sundays). Let's grow deeper in the Word, Anchored in Him! 

Sarah 

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