“O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen.” 

Henri Nouwen

Spiritual Directors may follow the church calendar throughout the year as it lends a theme and a shape to spiritual formation and growth. For example, we are currently in the season of Lent which encourages us to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Easter. We use this time for prayer, practicing fasting and reflections of God. We particularly reflect on Jesus’ ministry up to his crucifixion, death and resurrection.  

The Lenten Season

Lent is a 40-day period which leads up to Easter, excluding Sundays. Many Christians such as Methodists, Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutheran, Presbyterians, etc., observe this time. All too often we want to skip right to Easter and focus on the joy of the resurrection, but this is a chance to slow down and draw ourselves nearer to God.

Though I observe Lent each year, I am no longer as rigid with my “rules and regulations” checklist. I try to keep it fluid and in balance to keep my focus on drawing myself closer to God rather than focusing on what a wretched human I am when I can’t keep up an unrealistic routine or diet.

I find I like prayer in the mornings and reading my Bible at night. I’m following the Lent Pray 40 Challenge on the Hallow app and I am planning to read Adam Hamilton’s Luke in a Lenton lunch class hosted by the Church of the Epiphany.  

I encourage others to find what they would like to do in this time before Easter. It can be as simple as reading a section of the Gospel each night or saying “The Lord’s Prayer” each morning. There are many books available to read about the approaching Easter. Many fast from eating meat on Fridays. Whatever you decide, remember it’s a personal journey leading us to the feet of Jesus.

Today, the Lent Pray 40 Challenge asked the questions:

What do you think God wants for you this Lent?

What do you think He wants to free you from?

Feel free to take a moment in silence to answer these questions.

I would add one more question as it goes along with my passion for the spiritual journey, how can you walk with Jesus in this time?

Prayers:

God, you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
  ––Book of Common Prayer 2019

Father,
In Micah 6:8, You say, “O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Today we choose to walk humbly with You. We choose to live by Your Holy Spirit and to follow Your lead. Help us to hear You clearly, for we do not want to walk by pride or self-sufficiency, we want to walk with You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Prayer by Cally Logan.

Thought, Word & Deed

A weekly newsletter by Katie Rea.

More Information:

It Is Finished: A 40-Day Pilgrimage Back to the Cross: Martin, Charles: 9781400338832: Amazon.com: Books

Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws: Hamilton, Adam: 9781791025045: Amazon.com: Books

Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit: Simpson, Whitney R.: 9780835816311: Amazon.com: Books

He Chose the Nails: What God Did to Win Your Heart: Lucado, Max: 9780718085070: Amazon.com: Books

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