Our Lenten Journey

 In the early church, Lent was a time to prepare new converts for baptism. Today, Christians focus on their relationship with God, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of themselves for others. Sundays in Lent are not counted in the forty days because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter" and the reverent spirit of Lent is tempered with joyful anticipation of the Resurrection.

The Journey Inward – A Lenten Reflection is a time where we may choose different spiritual practices or disciplines during the Lenten Season. The Season of Lent is a time of self-examination, self-reflection and repentance. It is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. 

The Journey Inward – A Lenten Reflection may be a way to add the spiritual practice of additional daily devotion, personal reflection and meditation.  On The Journey Inward, you may read weekly Lectionary Scriptures, meditate on the Symbols of Lent, or another premise for reflection and a prayer.  

Also reflect/ meditate on the premise of: “I Love You, I’m Sorry, Please Forgive Me, Thank You, I Love You,” we are taking the week to remember God’s Love for us, how sorry we are for our choices that were/are contrary to Christ’s example of Love.  Please Forgive Me, because we acknowledge and take responsibility for our choices.  We say; “Thank You,” because we are thankful to God for offering us forgiveness.  We repeat; “I love You.” 

Because we receive God’s Love and offer our love in return. The Journey Inward invites this to be a time where one purposefully chooses to: let go, release, relinquish, sever and surrender our ALL to Christ and look inward in such a way that during this Season of Lent, we see Christ in our Selves and in Others… and be reconciled and restored to Christ, Self and Others. 

Consider these options for your Lenten practices...

Top Ten List: THINGS YOU CAN TRY FOR THE LENTEN SEASON

10. Try an electronic fast. Give up TV, Guitar Hero, texting, tweeeting, e-mail and all things electronic for one day every week. (or everyday of Lent!) Use the time to read & pray.
9. Start a prayer rhythm. Say a prayer every time you brush your teeth, hear an ambulance, or check your e-mail. Before you text someone, pray for them.
8. Read one chapter in the Bible each day. (Matthew and Psalms are good books to start.)
7. Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it (maybe even yourself.)
6. Give up soft drinks, fast food, tea or coffee. Give the money you save to help folks in Haiti or others in crisis.
5. Create a daily quiet time. Spend 30 minutes a day in silence and prayer.
4. Cultivate a life of gratitude. Write someone a thank you letter each week and be aware of how many people have helped you along the way.
3. Be kind to someone each day.
2. Pray for others you see as you walk to and from classes or drive to and from work.
1. Volunteer one hour or more each week with a local shelter, tutoring program, nursing home, prison ministry or a Habitat for Humanity project.

May you be blessed, empowered, and spiritually refreshed along The Journey Inward – this Lenten Season.

Grace and Peace of Our Compassionate and Merciful Christ,
Pastor Katie - Lent 2013