The traditional Psalm associated with the inauguration of the Lenten season is Psalm 51, written by David when the Prophet, Nathan, came to him and rebuked him for his murder of Uriah and infidelity with Bathsheba. It is a Psalm of sorrow and deep repentance at the realization of the sins he has committed. These words are worth pondering today:
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit.
I have not always practiced Lent. The religious tradition of my upbringing did not include such recognition of the days leading up to Easter. Since I started worshipping as a Methodist in college, I have tried to pause and experience a time of holy preoccupation during these forty days, practicing some form of “penitence” and “fasting.”
I read this in my morning devotional today, written by Maryetta Anschutz: “The problem with Lent, however, is…we contain this season to six weeks of doing good rather than building a Lent that becomes a Life.”
This year I am including two things as part of my Lenten practice. I am giving up Facebook, which has become a time waster and I fear robs me of those precious moments I might otherwise spend in spiritual contemplation. I am also going to endeavor to give away 40 things in 40 days, breaking some of the chains of “accumulation” in my life. My prayer is that these two practices will help me focus more closely on how I spend my time and resources, that I might give more of me to God and more of what I have to others.
My prayer for all of us as we move into these holy days is that what we do to prepare our hearts in this season will lead us to appreciate more keenly the holy opportunities in each day God gives us. May it be so for all of us…
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Whatever it takes,
Laura
A note about Lenten small groups:
I am excited about the Lenten opportunities for small group community and study. Please take special note of these classes that still have room for additional participants:
Creative Word, facilitated by Rev. Ontonio Christie.
Begins Wednesday, 3.4.20 at 6 pm.
Creation Care, facilitated by Dr. Ran Nisbett.
Begins Wednesday, 3.11.20, at 6 pm.
Focus on Prayer, facilitated by Nancy Dumas.
Begins Thursday, 3.12.20, at 10 am.
For a complete description of classes and to register, click here.
image via Ahna Ziegler
