40 Days to Peace and Union with God Lent Year A: A Journey in Prayer Through the Daily Gospels

by John Bartunek

In the tradition of his popular Bible study devotional The Better Part , Fr. John Bartunek offers these stirring meditations to guide you in the way of mental prayer―the prayer of the saints. This practical companion will help you actively engage in this essential form of prayer and cultivate a true friendship with Christ. It will also teach you to rest in God’s love and receive healing, grace, peace, and joy during this sacred season. Fr. Bartunek’s brief, power-packed reflections, focusing on Lenten themes from true fasting to carrying your cross to overcoming fear and temptation, will help you structure your prayer, grow in faith, and experience renewal. They will also enable you to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead along the path to holiness, encounter the Real Presence of our Lord more fully, and cultivate a greater love of neighbor in your heart. Features
Every saint and renowned spiritual director throughout the ages has said the same if we desire to become saints, we must spend time daily in meditation. This life-changing book will irrigate the soil of your soul and enliven your faith, giving you a heightened spiritual maturity and a greater share in the abundant life. This volume―the first of three―also contains a resource list, including a video series, for further spiritual direction and support.

Genres: Catholic

160 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2023

About the author

Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D, received his BA in History from Stanford University in 1990 and became a member of the Catholic Church in 1991.

After college, he spent a year as a professional actor in Chicago before entering the religious Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ in 1993. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 2003 and earned his doctorate in moral theology in 2010.

He provided spiritual support on the set of Mel Gibson’s "The Passion of the Christ" while researching the 2005 Catholic best seller, "Inside the Passion"--the only authorized, behind-the-scene explanation of the film.

Fr. John has contributed news commentary regarding religious issues on NBC, CNN, Fox, and the BBC. He also served as the English-language press liaison for the Vatican’s 2005 Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book uses the daily readings for Lent cycle year A, it can be useful for prayerfully reading through it any time. The meditations are very good.

[James Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't actually read the whole thing. I just felt like there was so much to meditate on/pray about that it was more a distraction. I prefer to just pray with Scripture my own way without so much extra. Some of the meditations were nice though and I do like Fr. Bartunek. It just didn't click this time.