40 Days of Lent

Experience Lent through the eyes of an artist. In this 40-day devotional, painter and writer Jim Elias invites you to slow down and reflect, pairing his original artwork with scripture and honest, personal meditations. Each day offers a new painting and a fresh perspective, rooted in curiosity, faith, and the beauty of everyday life.

Step into a season of intentional pause. These pages are designed to help you notice the sacred woven into the ordinary - the quiet of a prayer chair, the vibrant colors of spring, the gentle presence of birds and flowers, and the subtle movement of light across a canvas. Through each reflection, you are invited to linger, to wonder, and to listen for God's voice in the midst of daily routines and unexpected moments.

This Lenten devotional is not just a collection of paintings and words. It is an invitation to honest dialogue with God, to bring your questions, your gratitude, your doubts, and your hopes. Whether you are seeking comfort in a difficult season, inspiration for your creative spirit, or a deeper connection during Lent, you will find a gentle companion for your journey here.

As you turn each page, you will discover how art and faith can meet in the ordinary. The act of looking - really looking - at a painting or a passage of scripture can open your heart to new ways of seeing. You may find yourself drawn into moments of stillness, wonder, and gratitude. You may notice God's presence in places you had overlooked before.

This book is for any Christian who longs to slow down and pay attention. It is for those who want to see the world with fresh eyes, to find beauty in the familiar, and to trust that even in seasons of uncertainty, there is light to be found. My hope is that these reflections and images will encourage you to look for God's presence in every moment, and to carry that sense of wonder with you long after Lent has passed.

Let this daily Lenten devotional be a companion as you walk through these forty days. May it help you create space for stillness, for honest reflection, and for the quiet joy of discovering the sacred in the everyday.