Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is the period of forty days (excluding Sundays) leading up to Resurrection Sunday. These forty days represent the forty days Jesus spent facing temptation in the wilderness preparing for His earthly ministry and the ultimate purpose of his Advent: his death, and resurrection (John 6:38, Matthew 20:28). We trace the shadow of our sin through the shadow of Christ’s cross and empty tomb. This season invites us to acknowledge, expose, grieve, lament, and repent of our sin, and to turn to our Savior once again.
Throughout Lent these devotional writings will trace the waning hours before the cross - beginning in John 14. Specifically, the interactions Jesus shares with his disciples. Although Jesus knows the cross is ahead, he uses these remaining moments to pour into his disciples comforting and encouraging them. These men will betray, desert Jesus, run, and hide. These are the people Jesus invites to draw near once again. We too are the people Jesus invites to draw near this Lenten season, and every season. Sunday will begin with prayer. Tuesday with reflection. Thursday with adoration.
Almighty and everlasting God,
you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Take a few moments to reflect on the Son of Man, and confess your sin…
Father, in light of the way you have served me through Christ, how might I serve others?
Jesus, may I behold you as servant and savior this Lenten season…
Spirit, would you convict and comfort me as you lift my eyes to Jesus?
“…the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45