Lent is the 40 days before Easter when many Christians prepare themselves through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The 40 days commemorate the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert where he encountered temptation from the Devil. Lent is a time when Christians reflect and strengthen their relationship with Jesus. Here are a few of my favorite Bible verses to read during Lent.

1. Zephaniah 3:17

"The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior, who will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love."

2. John 10:10

"I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly."

3. Wisdom 1:1

"Love righteousness, you who judge the earth; think of the Lord in goodness, and seek him in integrity of the heart."

4. Psalm 73:26

"Though my flesh and my heart fail, God is the rock of my heart, my portion forever.

5. Matthew 6:21

"For where your treasure is, there also will be your heart."

6. Psalm 42:2

"As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God."

8. Jeremiah 29:12

"When you call me, and come pray to me, I will listen to you."

9. John 16:33

"In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."

10. Job 23:10

"Yet he knows my way; if he tested me, I should come forth like gold."

11. Micah 5:4

"He shall be peace."

12. John 3:30

"He must increase; I must decrease."

I hope everyone enjoys these and has a joyous Easter!!

(All verses are from the St. Joseph edition of the New American Bible revised edition)