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What is Lent?

Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Lent is the season when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to reflect on Jesus Christ—his suffering and sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection.

More on the Season of Lent
Christianity Spotlight10

Weekly Prayers & Poems - Prayer for Israel

Thursday February 23, 2012
This week's post is a Prayer for Israel. All signs and prophesies seem to point to escalation in the violence and conflict in the Middle East. So, no matter where you stand politically or spiritually regarding the nation of Israel, as Christians we can unite on one front: prayer.
    Prayer for Israel

    Dear Heavenly Father,

    We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We are sad to see the violence and suffering as men, women, and children are injured and killed on both sides of the conflict.
    Read more ... Prayer for Israel.

Do you have an original Christian prayer that would encourage or benefit a fellow believer? Perhaps you've written a unique poem you'd like to share with others. We are looking for Christian prayers and poems to encourage our readers in their communication with God. To submit your original prayer or poem, please fill out this Submission Form.
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The Season of Lent Begins

Tuesday February 21, 2012
Ash Wednesday
Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 22, 2012 is Ash Wednesday, marking the first day of the season of Lent for Western Christianity. In Orthodox churches, Lent (or Great Lent) begins on Clean Monday (February 27, 2012).

The season of Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline.

Learn more about Ash Wednesday, Lent, or visit the 2012 Easter Calendar.

Prepare for Easter:

What do Christians Celebrate on Easter?
Consider a Spiritual Spring Cleaning this Lent.
Meditate on these Resurrection Day Bible Verses.
Read the Resurrection Story.
Learn more about Orthodox Easter.

Photo: Getty Images

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This Week's Testimony: Raven's Breath of Life

Monday February 20, 2012

Raven can't help but offer praise to God after surviving an aneurysm that split her aorta in half from top to bottom. Following surgery she actually died, but God breathed life into Raven and gave her a new purpose for living.

Read: Raven's Breath of Life

Submit a Testimony:

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God's Word from Creation to Current Day

Friday February 17, 2012
Dead Sea Scrolls
The Bible is reported to be the best selling book of all time. But have you ever wondered how we got our current day Bibles? How has God's Holy Word been recorded and passed down through the ages?

Join me as I trace the unparalleled history of the manuscripts, scrolls, translations, codices, canons, printings, and versions of Scripture. Learn how the Bible has been painstakingly preserved, and at times even suppressed, during its long and arduous journey to the present.

Photo: Getty Images

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