The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J. Praying with the Bible during Lent
39 snips
Feb 17, 2026 
Ben Witherington III, New Testament scholar and Amos Professor, brings scholarly warmth and personal faith to the conversation. He explores praying with Scripture during Lent, the four Gospel portraits of Jesus and the last words on the cross, biblical roots of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, using music and poetry to enter prayer, and reading the Bible with fresh, accessible starting points.
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An Audible Call At College
- During college Ben heard an audible call saying his name which prompted deeper prayer and ministry involvement.
- That experience led him into InterVarsity and a lifelong vocation in biblical studies.
Come To Scripture Expecting Fresh Light
- Approach Scripture with an open heart and expect fresh light each time you read it.
- New details can strike you differently depending on life context and need.
Scripture In Grief And Consolation
- After losing his daughter, Ben returned to scriptures like Jairus' daughter and Isaiah for comfort and prayer.
- Scripture readings opened new emotional insights that guided his grief and prayer life.
