Dear friends in Christ,
Our journey through Lent begins two weeks from today. Every year, I feel like I need Lent more than ever. It’s our annual invitation to renew our commitment as followers of Jesus Christ. In Lent, we can remember what’s most important, and we have a whole season to redirect our lives toward Jesus and away from those things which distract us from following him.
The Book of Common Prayer tells us some of the best ways to use this season to point ourselves toward Jesus. We are urged to keep Lent “by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.”
Any of us can do these things. We have everything we need, as long as you have a Bible handy. But it’s helpful to join in Lenten disciplines with other people. Coming to church on Sundays is a great way to keep Lent. It’s also wonderful to gather with others at your church to practice the ancient Christian disciplines of prayer and study.
If you are looking for support for your journey through Lent, Forward Movement has many resources to offer, including our prayer app or website, Forward Day by Day, or any of our Lenten devotional books. Our Lenten devotional books are well-suited both to individual reading and group use. Several of our recent books, including Signs of Life, The Way of Love, Vital Signs of Faith, and the updated edition of Bible Women, would be especially suitable for a Lenten book group.
I encourage you to think about how you wish to savor Lent this year. Now is a great time to reflect on Lent and to make sure you have what you need for this holy season of blessing and renewal.
Yours faithfully,
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
P.S. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Lent Madness!
More from our ministry:
New this year for Lent: Hear Us, Good Lord and Encounters with Jesus
Live Lent course from ChurchNext: Wrestling with Faith and Money
Get your copy of the Join the Journey calendar today
From Grow Christians: No child of God is unclean