Jesus, Friend of My Soul by Joyce Rupp

I was excited the moment I saw that Joyce Rupp had come out with another book.  I've enjoyed everything I've read by her.  Jesus, Friend of My Soul was no exception.  In addition to doing morning prayer and the daily Mass readings using the Magnificat, I kept up with these "reflections for the Lenten journey."

The purpose of this book is to examine, meditate on, and try to live out the qualities Jesus showed during His life.  Each day there is a brief Scripture passage, a short reflection, a personal prayer, and an affirmation that relates to one of Christ's attributes.  For example, over the first four days, we are looking to the "One Who..." invites, is disciplined, who prays, and who sees good in others.

For the second day of Lent, the title of the day's reflection is "One Who Is Disciplined."  The following is the prayer included:

"Bearer of the Cross,
no one wants to have burdens and afflictions,
yet they come into our lives and weigh us down.
I can learn from you how to shoulder my troubles
and find my greatest source of strength in you. 
Help me to deny myself when it is required."

Then the affirmation for the day is: "I choose to accept the cross of my difficulties."

I highly recommend Jesus, Friend of My Soul.  Using it as a Lenten companion was a bit like having a cup of coffee with a Christian friend each day.  I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  For more info or to order your own copy, click here.