Forward Today: Pick One Thing for Lent

In today’s edition of our weekly newsletter from Scott Gunn and the Forward Movement team, Scott suggests picking a single challenge for Lent—and focusing your energies upon that. Read his full letter below.


Dear friends in Christ,

Yesterday I was with the clergy of the Diocese of Long Island speaking about discipleship. In the course of my talk with the clergy, I made a suggestion about how to think of a Lenten discipline that I think could work quite well for everyone.

Our Ash Wednesday liturgy (page 264 in the Book of Common Prayer) includes at least two elements that are well worth studying and praying about. I encourage you to read the Invitation to a Holy Lent (bottom of page 264) and also the Litany of Penitence (middle of page 267).

In the Litany we confess things from which we must repent, things which keep us away from following Jesus. In the Invitation, we hear about those practices which might help us in our walk with Jesus Christ. Perhaps this season of Lent, you might choose one area of repentance or one spiritual practice and focus on that. Just one thing. Make it achievable, though it might be challenging.

It’s just one week until Ash Wednesday, the beginning of our Lenten journey. Now is the perfect time to think and to pray about how this year’s Lent can be a blessing to you.

Yours faithfully,

Scott Gunn
Executive Director


To get future reflections from Scott in your inbox, subscribe to Forward Today…today!