Dear Friends,

Lent begins forty days prior to the Resurrection, not including Sundays. The focus of Lent has always been spiritual renewal through the disciplines of fasting and prayer. The early church never fasted on the Sundays of Lent since Sundays were regarded as mini celebrations of the joy of resurrection. Thus, Sundays were excluded from Lent. The word Lent comes from 'Lencten' which means 'spring' and marks the lengthening of days in spring. Forty days of the fast were linked to Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness and Moses' 40 days on Mount Sinai. Though the roots of both Lent and Easter lie deep in pre-Christian practice, they have come to be special times for the Christian community. Lent provides us with an ideal time to pause and think about what we are celebrating at Easter. Lamentations 3:40 says 'Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord'. Here are some simple practical suggestions to help you celebrate the truth during the days leading to the Resurrection. The weeks of Lent provide a fresh opportunity for personal renewal:

  • Begin each day with a time of reflection
  • Identify sins or an area needing renewal
  • Confess a problem/habit that needs God's mercy
  • Set time apart each day to read your Bible and pray
  • Plan time to 'be still and know God'
  • Remember to give time to thanking and praising your loving heavenly Father.

Spend time in occupations that you know feed you spiritually. Some love intellectual study, so if that is you take a book of the Bible and explore it throughout Lent. Others enjoy worship and you might like to listen to worship CD's or create your own times of worship. Some love to meet their Father in the beauty of creation and so will go on plenty of walks to talk with Him. Paint, read books, have silent retreats, fast, whatever helps you to meet with your Father. If you are able to, come to the Ash Wednesday Communion on February 17th at 7pm in Holy Trinity and begin this period of reflection and renewal by participating in this powerful reminder of the price Jesus paid for our adoption as children of our Heavenly Father.

May God's blessings be on you this Lent,

John Lewis