As we begin the season of Lent next week, I want to invite you to a special Ash Wednesday service at Park this coming Wednesday (February 22) at 6:30 PM.
This year’s Ash Wednesday service will include interactive stations in the sanctuary for all ages to reflect and pray, followed by the imposition of ashes. Whether you’re brand new to Ash Wednesday or have participated for years, whether you’re two years old or 102, all are welcome.
I remember someone asked me once, “What the heck is Lent? I’ve heard about it, but for me, it’s one of those churchy words I have no idea what to do with.”
Great question! While some folks are familiar with the Lenten Season, for many, it’s a new thing. The name “Lenten” comes from the Old English “lengthen,” as in how days lengthen in the spring.
Spiritually, the Lenten Season is the 40-day journey to Easter, an intentional time to focus on God, grow as disciples of Jesus, and find ways to give to our communities and world. It’s a time for spiritual examination, reflection, and repentance.
The season begins with Ash Wednesday, where our foreheads are marked with ashes in the shape of a cross, a powerful and experiential way of participating in God’s call to repentance and reconciliation.
Since Lent is a period of spiritual examination, I wonder if, during this time, you’d like to take up the practice of looking for God’s presence in your life. By practicing what’s called the Daily Examen, developed centuries ago by Ignatius of Loyola (still practiced by many Christians today), the idea is to reflect with gratitude each day for about 15 minutes on where you are noticing God’s presence in your everyday life.
To help guide the Daily Examen, the good folks at Ignatian Spirituality have developed a helpful prayer card. If you’re interested in using this practice for your spiritual growth during the forty days of lent, just click here to download a copy of the card. You might even consider asking a friend or two to join you, perhaps meeting weekly for a few minutes to learn from and encourage each other.
Much love to you,
Pastor Gregg
