Dear ,   

Lent, the period of 40 days before Easter (excluding Sundays), begins on Ash Wednesday, (this year Lent begins today - February 18), and ends at sundown on Holy Saturday, the evening before Easter. In the seasons of Lent and Easter, the church focuses on remembering, retelling and participating in the story of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

During Lent, we enter into a season of preparation, self-reflection and repentance when we seek to literally "turn around" and realign our lives and focus toward God. It is a time to give up things as well as take on new life-giving practices, helping us rid ourselves of distractions and our own selfish desires. By doing so, we seek to live and love as more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

This Lent, why not consider adding a daily time for meditation and prayer to your schedule?   A time each day spent in spiritual reverence before the Lord, reflecting upon His loving sacrifice on the cross. Think about how passionate He is for you that He bore and endured the shame of your sin, not in part but in whole, upon His shoulders so that you might be redeemed.

A great way to prepare your heart for Easter is to use a devotional during your daily time of prayer and reflection. A devotional will help you focus each day on a spiritual truth and give some direction to your journey. Available for download - FREE - from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is their 2015 "Lenten Devotional" which provides a daily scripture, prayer, and thought to set your heart toward Christ.

Oh God, help me to practice piety before you.  On this Ash Wednesday may I be honest about where I am in life with you and with the people around me.  Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Amen