How can Scripture help deepen our prayer lives this Lent? The New Testament scholar Ben Witherington III joins host James Martin, S.J., to share his own paths of prayer- through scripture, music and poetry. 

Timecodes:

0:00 Who is Ben Witherington III?

3:40 What do scholars mean by the ‘historical Jesus’?

6:33 The last 7 words of Christ

7:57 Biblical roots of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving

11:10 Ben reclaims his faith and is called by God

17:30 Praying with the Bible and grief

33:20 Where to start reading the Bible

34:55 Christianity is a historical religion

40:55 Why Catholics should read the Bible

44:58 Audience Question: How do I hear the readings at Mass with freshness? 

Read Fr. Jim’s spiritual advice article on this episode

Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at:  thespirituallife@americamedia.org

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