Spirit-Tending in the Fast LaneThis monthly meditation is sponsored by the Spiritual Formation Ministry. We hope it will be a useful tool for staying connected to Spirit in the midst of the busyness of life, to stop and remember who and what matters.
May we suggest that prior to reading the meditation you take a couple of deep breaths, allowing your body to relax and unwind. Then begin reading slowly, giving time for the words to take hold.
Lent has arrived early this year. It has been almost 100 years since we have entered this season so soon after Christmas. We observe Lent for forty days, beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending with Holy Saturday, the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The Sundays in Lent are not counted in the forty days.
Lent is a time for personal reflection and self-examination. It offers us the opportunity to attend to our soul in a purposeful and intentional way. We take stock of our lives, our habits, our thoughts and allegiances. This is a time for penance and for forgiveness, seeking it for ourselves and offering it to others.
In Psalm 51, we are given lovely words to pray through Lent; verses 1, 2, and 6-12 in particular. Verses 1 and 2 follow.
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.Continue reading for yourself the beautiful words of petition in verses 6-12.
Prayer Moment: Loving God, help me during these forty days, to set aside time to reflect on my life, listening for your guidance and counsel. Amen.
Reflective Moment: How will Lent be different for me this year? What in my life is God calling me to focus on as I spend time in reflection and self-examination?