A Lenten Journey That Changed My Life—Twice

Hi, my name is Jessica, and this isn’t your typical book review.

I’ve worked at The Catholic Company for 14 years. I’m not a big reader, I don’t journal as much as I should, and I’m definitely not a “super Catholic.” (Just ask my husband!) But, like many of us, I really want to have a meaningful and holy Lent every year.

Some years, I feel like I made a decent effort. But more often than not, Easter rolls around and I’m left asking, “What in the world did I even do this Lent?”

That is, until I picked up Restore : A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation by Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT.

The Book I Almost Didn’t Grab

A few years ago, I saw Restore at a parish I was visiting. I wasn’t a parishioner, so I felt like I should leave the journals for those who belonged. Besides, I work at The Catholic Company—I have access to all kinds of books (this one included, though I didn’t know it at the time).

Still, something told me to go back and grab a copy. So I did.

The first line on the back cover read: “The journey you are about to make is dangerous!” I remember thinking, “Okay, that’s a little dramatic.”

Boy, was I wrong.

My First Lent with Restore

Related: A Guide to 4 Popular Devotional Tools for Lent

That Lent, Restore completely transformed me. Sr. Miriam’s gentle yet powerful words felt like she was speaking directly to me and my struggles. She led me through four phases of healing:

• Prayer: Healing my relationship with God.
• Fasting: Disciplining myself to heal my relationship with myself.
• Almsgiving: Healing my relationships with others.
• Sacrifice: Moving closer to union with God.

At first, I thought, “Healing? I’m fine. I just want a fruitful Lent.” Then, like the Confirmation-day smack from the bishop, I realized I wasn’t fine. There were things I was avoiding, things I needed to give over to God, and forgiveness I had been withholding.

Through the journaling and reflections, God worked in my heart in ways I didn’t think were possible. I came out of Lent feeling renewed, humbled, and profoundly changed.

Year Two: Could It Really Be That Good Again?

The next year, I decided to do Restore again. I didn’t think it could possibly match the first experience.

I was very wrong.

This time, God revealed new struggles, new wounds, and new areas where I needed His grace. Once again, the journal spoke directly to my heart even though I was in a totally different season of life.

Year Three: Here We Go Again

Now, I’m about to begin Restore for the third year in a row. I can’t wait to see how God will work in me this time.

One thing I’ve learned is that true healing starts with humility. That’s why we’re pairing Restore with a free Litany of Humility prayer card. This prayer has become essential for me, especially before diving into Restore for each day’s reflection. It puts my heart in the right place to receive what God wants to show me.

I want you to experience this too. Whether this is your first Lent with Restore or your third, it’s a journey worth taking.

Get your copy today and see how God can transform your Lent—and your life.

Praying for your best Lent yet,

Jessica

You can purchase a copy of Restore here!