“I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent…”
These words begin our Lenten journey, reminding us that this season is shaped by self-examination and reflection as a means of drawing closer to God and to one another. Throughout the centuries, Christians around the world have embraced diverse practices to deepen their relationship with God, expressing the many ways we live and move and have our being.
Traditionally, we often focus on what we will give up; chocolate, meat, or perhaps yelling at the person in front of us in traffic. Yet Lent also calls us to take up practices that deepen our life in Christ. This year, alongside fasting, we encourage you to cultivate new holy habits.
These simple, embodied practices are intended to help us draw nearer to God and to one another. Each week, we will offer opportunities to engage Scripture and prayer in varied ways; from movement to silence, from Bible study to Sabbath rest. These practices are designed to root us more deeply in God’s presence amid our busy and hurried lives.
We invite you to “try on” these practices throughout the weeks of Lent, not as one more thing to do, but as pathways to explore. You may discover one that becomes a sustaining rhythm beyond these forty days. In taking up new disciplines, we open space for the Spirit to form us more fully into the likeness of Christ.
Join in the observance of a holy Lent by trying on a deeper relationship with God and with one another.
Weekly Reflections
Thank you for participating in this Lenten journey.
Each week’s reflection includes three images:
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The Intent – introducing the focus for the week
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The Instructions – offering guidance for reflection or action
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The Question – inviting deeper contemplation and conversation
Week One
Click the images below to enlarge.
