An Ocean of Grace by Tim Chester is a 40 day collection of daily prayers and meditations starting on Ash Wednesday and extending the 40 days of Lent until Resurrection Sunday. Chester’s goal is that the familiar truths of Christ’s work would come with renewed power to captivate our hearts and minds. To that end, Chester defiantly achieved his goal. After a short introduction, Chester provides a quote from Christian saints (from the early church fathers to present) for prayer and meditation. While there is minimal editing to remove archaic language, the original author’s voice is still very much present. Each day you are bathed in words that point you towards the work of Christ and our need for him. The poetic and vivid imagery used has a way of enhancing the beauty of the Gospel.
I never practiced Lent growing up in a non-liturgical, Baptist context. It was something that I understood some Christians did but it seemed foreign and ritualistic to me. As I grow in my maturity, I realize the value of the church calendar as Spiritual Formation. I also, recognize the abuses of the church calendar and ways it leads to a works-based faith mentality. Its not about the tool you use but about how you use it that matters; your heart’s attitude while doing it. I look forward to restarting this book this Ash Wednesday and spending 40 days reflecting on Christ in anticipation for that faithful Resurrection Day.
I found the perspective Christian saints throughout the church’s 2000 years of existence helpful in my own walk with Christ. With quotes from Luther, Calvin, Spurgeon, John Owen, Ambrose, and more, it is bound to stir your affections. Every generation has its own emphasis and blind spots. When you read authors outside of your culture and time, you get a difference of perspective. Scripture and the Gospel is the same but sometimes we don’t see all the beauty that exists because we view it from our “modern” perspective.
This book is great for every Christian. Each day will only take about 15 minutes or less of reading. The quotes tend to be more poetic, which may be more difficult for literal readers; but this should not deter you. While it is specifically written for Lent, it will undoubtable stir your affections for Christ in whatever season you find yourself in.
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An Ocean of Grace: A Journey to Easter with Great Voices From the Past By Tim Chester |
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I express are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.