The Lenten journey: historical preparation
 Starting March 1 we invite you to visit our daily online Lenten devotional, Journey to Jerusalem at www.fumcsd.org/journey. You can contribute to the devotional, if you wish, by contacting Greg LaDue, gladue@fumcsd.org.
A Sunday Lenten study also begins March 1 at 9:30 in Linder Lounge and will explore the “Inner Journey through Lent” using scripture and meditation. Rev. Greg LaDue will lead the class. You can drop in anytime.
To prepare for the class some history of the Lenten season: Originating in the fourth century, the season of Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning Ash Wednesday (Feb. 25) and climaxing during Holy Week with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and concluding on Saturday before Easter. Lent was a time of concentrated study and prayer before being baptized at the Easter Vigil, the celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord early on Easter Sunday. Since new members were to be received into a living community of faith, the entire community was called to preparation. This was also a time when those who had been separated from the Church would prepare to rejoin the community.
Today, Lent is a time of prayer and preparation. Since Sundays celebrate the resurrection of Jesus (the six Sundays occurring during Lent are not included in the 40 days), they are referred to as the Sundays in Lent. “40” is tied to many biblical events, but especially with the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness pre-paring for His ministry. Christians today use this period of time for introspection, self examination, and repentance. |
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Suggestions for the prayer practice:
For all weeks the following is recommended:
Purchase a special Lent Candle. It need not be anything ornate, just dedicated to the next forty days. Use it only during your devotional time.
Obtain a journal. Again nothing elaborate...just dedicated. Your will write in this journal at the end of each devotional practice your thoughts and reflections.
1. Pick a time of day when you have at least half an hour to devote.
2. Go to a place in your home where you feel comfortable. Place your Lenten candle in the space with you. Light the Candle with this prayer:
“Loving God,
during this day, and for the next forty days, lead me into knowing myself and You more completely and lovingly.
Spirit of the Living God, transform me that I might be more fully who you have created me to be for your sake. Amen.“
3. Sit for 10 minutes, or as long as you can, in silence. Do not be afraid of the silence. Rest in it. If you are doing this practice at the end of your day, let the day, and its events go, and focus on being where you are, focus on your breath. If you are doing this practice at the beginning of your day, let go of planning and anticipating the day ahead. Focus on being present to the light within and your breath.
4. Read the scripture or poem for the week. Read it several times and see what speaks to you. How is God speaking to you through these thoughts and words? Listen with your heart, not your mind.
5. Close your eyes and reflect on what you have read and what it says to you. Give the Spirit time to move within you. Then begin to write in your journal whatever reflections you have. Nothing is right or wrong. Thoughts and feelings are not right or wrong, they just are.
6. Thank God for this time and close with a prayer of gratitude. Take one last moment of silence before you extinguish the candle and take the light of God’s presence with you to sleep or into your day. |
