Lent Season
As we enter the sacred season of Lent, beginning on March 5th, we are invited into a time of reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal. This season provides an opportunity to draw closer to God and deepen our faith. Below are several ways you can join us on this meaningful journey.
Join Us in Prayer
Each day at 7:14 am and 7:14 pm, we invite you to pause and pray. Why 7:14? We will be praying 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Pray for your church, community, and nation.
Lenten Devotional: Living Well Through Lent
This year, we are excited to introduce Living Well Through Lent, a devotional resource that invites us to reflect on Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit and what it truly means to live a Christian life amid change and uncertainty. See the attached document. If you prefer a printed copy, please call the church office.
For additional reflections, tune in to the Living Compass Spirituality and Wellness podcast at LivingCompass.org/podcast or through your favorite podcast app. You can also receive daily devotional reflections via email by signing up at https://www.livingcompass.org/lent.
Observing Lent Through Fasting
Lent spans 40 days, excluding Sundays, mirroring the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. If you feel led, consider joining us in a time of fasting. Traditional fasting options include:
1. Absolute Fast: Abstaining from all food and water for a certain period.
2. Solid Food Fast: Consuming only juice and water, refraining from solid food.
3. Partial Fast: Abstaining from specific types of food or drink.
Additional Ways to Observe Lent
Fasting is not limited to food. Here are other meaningful ways to engage in Lent:
1. Fast from social media.
2. Fast from soda, fried foods, fast food, sugar, desserts, favorite restaurants, or alcoholic beverages.
3. Engage in a mission project three times a week (e.g., volunteering at a soup kitchen, clothing closet, or nursing home).
4. Learn a new skill that enhances ministry or discipleship.
5. Commit to avoiding negativity.
6. Refrain from gossiping.
7. Pray three times a day with a focused theme (e.g., joy, concerns, loved ones).
8. Write a letter daily—to someone living or deceased, someone you miss, someone you are proud of, or someone you need to reconcile with.
9. Limit cell phone use strictly to calls.
10. Reduce excessive news engagement by setting personal boundaries.
11. Read a theological, faith-development, or life-transforming book.
12. Participate in a Bible study.
13. Seek guidance from a spiritual director or therapist once a week throughout Lent to reflect and grow.
I encourage you to prayerfully consider how you will engage in this Lenten season, seeking to grow in faith and deepen your relationship with God. May this be a season of transformation and spiritual renewal for us all.
Peace and blessings
Pastor Twanda E. King