Yesterday marked the beginning of Lent, a season I did not grow up practicing but have come to really appreciate in more recent years. A season of deliberateness and intentionality. Of "putting off" and "putting on" and being constantly reminded of our desperate need for Christ.
I have found that, "forty days annually of persistent appeal to think, and to kneel down, and to rise with the Cross upon our shoulder, are none too many." (H.C.G. Moule, A Call to Lent)
I don't know about you, but I need this. So much.
For those of you who may be new to Lent, my cousin passed along this link--The Lent Experience-- a "guide" of sorts, put out by her church, to help lead us through a meaningful and Christ-exalting Lenten season. If you are curious about the tradition of Lent ("What is Lent, anyway?" "Isn't it just for Catholics?") or thinking about participating, it may be a helpful resource.
Jesus, draw us near.
Show us the gravity of our sin-- may we no longer take it lightly-- and lead us to true freedom in your death and resurrection.
Teach us to hunger after you more than the food we consume.
To treasure you more than the trinkets we collect.
To seek your presence above all the noise that drowns you out.
May we discover in these forty days that, Jesus, YOU ARE BETTER.
2 comments:
Yes, Amanda! Lent is such a great time of intentional leaning into pruning, sacrifice, etc. I always anticipate Easter so much when I engage in Lent. I was just telling someone the other day about the time you gave up your pillow. :)
Here at Moody we had the first ever Ash Wednesday service. Probably close to 300 students got out of bed at 7 am and came for a liturgical service of penitence and reflection. Most of them received the ashes from the four professors that led the service. We had a Greek Orthodox hymn (the Kyrie Eleison,) and a Gregorian Chant of Psalm 51, and the stage of TG was lined with votive candles. We used the Anglican liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer. You would have liked it! I hope you have a blessed Lenten season.
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