I know I know, Lent began yesterday. But just in case you’ve meant to start something and forgot. Or maybe you’d just like to try something extremely worthwhile without worrying about exactly when you begin or end: the Bible Society have got a fantastic idea – wouldn’t it be great to listen to the whole of the New Testament? It will only take 28 minutes a day if you listen every day for the 40 days of Lent. They have a special new recording of the CEV, from Riding Lights theatre company. They also have a Welsh language version available. There’s also a free CD pack available. The Bible Society are obviously keen that we would contribute towards their work if we benefit from this project, but the audio downloads are free on the website.
Here in the Vicarage, we’re trying to listen to a chapter (or two) of the bible at teatime this Lent – we’ve been playing the audio on Biblegateway.com on the kitchen computer. We’ve been impressed by how quiet the kids are as we listen. Early days yet, tho’. But we have found the audio bible a good way to nourish ourselves with larger chunks of scripture.
If you have a tablet, or a smartphone, you can do the same thing using the free Daily Bible app.
So I think it’s worth a listen. Even if I don’t manage the whole New Testament in exactly 40 days, I’ll have taken in more scripture than usual, and that’s only going to be a help since
… faith comes through hearing…
Romans 10v17
The Vicar's Wife 
This was one of our family Lent projects, as told in my book ‘Did God make those Bananas?’ It might be useful to some of your blog readers.
‘One year we embarked on a major Lent project. A large sheet of paper was divided into squares and attached to the sitting room door. Each evening after tea we read a short Bible passage, and took it in turns to illustrate the story with a picture and a few words. Starting at square one with Creation, we finished six weeks later depicting the return of the Lord Jesus. Our artistic abilities varied considerably so there was a sigh of relief when gifted Dad landed a story which included a number of people. There were some anxious moments when trying to fit 5,000 hungry people into a 5cm x 5cm square! I could just about manage the storm on Lake Galilee or the parable of the sower. But we were not seeking to create an art gallery, this was a daily opportunity to read the Scriptures and discuss a story together. The Lent project also reminded us that the Bible is one whole story from cover to cover. It may span many hundreds of years but it contains one message – that of God’s redeeming love for the world He created.’