The liturgical season of Lent, which began on Ash Wednesday, is a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter Sunday. It consists of the 40 days leading up to the Sacred Paschal Triduum on Holy Thursday, excluding Sundays. Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church in Auburn, Washington, emphasized the importance of making intentional shifts during Lent to draw near to Jesus with humility, authenticity, and gratitude. Bradley highlighted the significance of Ash Wednesday as a call to return to God with affection and devotion, repent of sins, and receive grace through Jesus’ sacrifice. He stressed that the victory of Jesus over the grave sets believers free from shame and despair, urging them to seek a personal and everlasting relationship with God.
Technology plays a significant role in helping Christians grow closer to God during Lent. The Hallow prayer app, based in Chicago, offers personalized prayer experiences for users and integrates technology with faith. Alex Jones, CEO of Hallow, discussed the success of the app’s prayer challenges, with the upcoming Lent challenge expected to be the biggest yet. This year, actor Chris Pratt has partnered with Hallow to share his faith journey. The theme of the Pray40 challenge is “The Way,” focusing on John 14:6 and the teachings of St. Josemaría Escrívá. Jones emphasized the transformative power of prayer, service to others, and making sacrifices in ordinary daily life, in line with St. Josemaría’s teachings. He noted a revival of faith happening globally, with more people turning to Christianity, describing it as a blessing to witness individuals rediscovering or embracing their faith through prayer.
As Lent progresses, the faithful are encouraged to seek God and walk closely with Jesus. Bradley highlighted the importance of the Lenten season as a time to repent of sins and receive God’s grace through the sacrifice of the Messiah. He emphasized that a personal and eternal relationship with God is paramount, urging believers to abide closely with Jesus, who demonstrated His love through the cross. The victory of Jesus over the grave resonates deeply in the souls of believers, offering freedom from shame and despair. Using technology like the Hallow prayer app, Christians can personalize their prayer experiences and deepen their spiritual journey during Lent, ultimately focusing on following Christ as “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”
The Hallow prayer app allows users to experience powerful spiritual advice from St. Josemaría Escrívá, focusing on loving the world deeply through prayer, service, and sacrifice in daily life. Jones emphasized the app’s mission to help individuals pray and follow Christ every day, emphasizing the core values of faith and spiritual growth. He pointed out the growing interest in faith and spirituality among individuals, citing an increase in Bible sales and the number of people identifying as Christians in the U.S. Jones expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness firsthand a revival of faith, with individuals rediscovering or embracing their relationship with God through prayer. With the support of Chris Pratt and the guidance of St. Josemaría’s teachings, the Hallow app aims to guide users on a spiritual journey during Lent, ultimately helping them deepen their faith and connection with God.
In conclusion, as Lent progresses, Christians are urged to make intentional shifts in their routines to draw closer to God and walk with Jesus. The significance of Ash Wednesday as a time of repentance and receiving grace through Jesus’ sacrifice is emphasized, with believers encouraged to cultivate a personal and eternal relationship with God. The Hallow prayer app offers a technology-driven approach to deepening spiritual connections during Lent, with an upcoming Lent challenge focusing on following Christ as “the Way.” The app’s partnership with actor Chris Pratt and the teachings of St. Josemaría Escrívá provide users with powerful spiritual advice and guidance for daily living. Ultimately, Jones highlighted the increasing revival of faith worldwide, with individuals embracing their faith through prayer and service. The Hallow app serves as a tool for users to engage in meaningful prayer experiences and spiritual growth, guiding them on a journey of faith and devotion during the Lenten season.
