This past Wednesday was the first day of lent.
Just out of curiosity I searched both Facebook and Twitter to check how many posts there were about lent. I was a bit disheartened to see there were very few. Although lent is a very personal journey, the practice of this sacred tradition should be more acknowledged and encouraged. It’s so easy to be complacent, nonchalant; another year, another lent, but when we do that we rob ourselves, our families and our church communities from fully receiving God’s inheritance.
As Christ followers we embark on a journey that requires us to be reflective, humble, vulnerable and open to the Holy Spirit. Lent is a conscientious journey that makes space for God; a journey full of lament and wonderment, reflection and rejuvenation. It’s a time of examination, to really listen to God and let Him take you to different places you might not otherwise go and allow you to see Him in an enriched way.
I love lent because it’s spirit led and I look forward to it every year. As Christians we need to really appreciate our holy heritage and uphold the traditions and practices of remembrance because they reignite the call for spiritual maturity and a deeper intimacy with the Lord.
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Joel 2:12-13
Dear Father in Heaven,
Today I stand quietly with my hands facing forward, my eyes open, gazing with anticipation. My mind is calm and decluttered. My heart is full of love, desiring to see you in a new way, to enjoy your presence. My feet are ready to step on the path and follow where you lead.
I bring to you all my frailties and inadequacies, my stubbornness and any preconceptions that have hindered my sight and listening. Lord, I am committed to be more conscious of your spirit in and around me. I look forward to reminiscing on our holy heritage.
May you reveal new insight to your son’s story that will resonate with my soul and refresh my mind. May you whisper words of wisdom that will enhance my knowledge and quench my thirst. May my hands be continually open as a symbolic gesture that I am ready to follow you, to take your hand wherever you lead.
Lord let your spirit shine to others so that they will gravitate towards your holy grace and abounding love. I pray this for all my brothers and sisters in Christ. May we all strive to let your holiness be the light unto our feet and the steering wheel that drives us.
Amen.
Beautiful Prayer Lucy! Insightful & inspiring.
Hello Lucy, my name is Alan and I too have cerebral palsy and live in a powered wheelchair to get around in. I too have my own bad days but mostly I am an even keeled guy. I love to capture nature with my camera on a weekly basis and then turn them into greeting cards, and sell them from my wheelchair while I go on my daily business. I too like to make time to pray to God because one cannot forget about our great Creator. I attend Lambrick Park Church every Sunday morning and I feel a great weight lifted off my shoulders every time I leave that church.
I do hope we can become friends someday. Sincerely, Alan