Lenten Journal - Jesus Dies on the Cross: Surrender

Editor's Note: For the next twelve days, leading up to Easter, Theresa Ceniccola will be leading us through a series of Journal Prompts related to the messages of Holy Week. We encourage you to spend a few moments praying with and journaling your responses to these prompts, or feel free to simply share your perspectives in the comments below. LMH

Explore the Messages of Holy Week in a Journal

The Passion of Christ is such a powerful story and yet sometimes I forget how much it relates to my own life today. I simply go through the motions during Holy Week and don’t allow myself to truly experience the lessons as God intended. I think this is because the traditional mode of “listening” in church is not enough to engage me.

I’m a visual-kinesthetic learner, which means I need to see and move in order to process information. That’s why journal writing is such a critical tool for me. I use my journal to help me reflect and examine different perspectives. I even bring my journal to church to take notes during the homily, write down scripture passages or hymnal verses and remain fully present and engaged during Mass. If you’re looking for a new way to explore the lessons of Holy Week, try keeping a Lenten Journal.

Day Eleven - Jesus Dies on the Cross: Surrender

Just before He died on the cross, Jesus called out in despair, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Describe a time when you felt abandoned and hopeless? Later, Jesus surrenders to God's will: "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." Name one area of your life which you desire to turn over to God entirely. Write a dialogue with God asking for Him to lead the way for you in this area of your life. Promise to follow His lead.