I invite you therefore, in the name of the Lord,

to observe a holy Lent

by self-examination, penitence, PRAYER,

fasting, and almsgiving,

and by reading and meditating on the word of God.

(Exhortation from Ash Wednesday Service, BAS pg.282)

 

The list of things that are being cancelled and put on hold seems to be growing each day, however, prayer is not one of them. I suspect that prayer is more important now that ever. 

Personally, I am finding that the discipline of the daily office – morning and evening prayer in the Anglican tradition – has been incredibly grounding at this time. It is providing structure to my day – something I really need – but more than that, it is reminding me that I am not alone. 

This practice of prayer is helping me to feel connected to God, my Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, as well as to this thing called “Church,” particularly all those around the world who are doing these prayers with me, alone but together. 

How will you practice the discipline of prayer this Lenten season? 

Maybe you can start saying the Lord’s Prayer while washing your hands (that’s what I’ve been using for my 20 seconds!) Maybe you can set aside time to stop and breathe deep and rest in God’s love. Maybe you can look for opportunities to say thank you, to practice gratitude, even in dark and uncertain times. Maybe you can share your anxiety and frustration, your sorrow, anger and fear with Jesus, our friend and helper. Maybe you can grab a Book of Alternative Services, either online or in book form, and join me and thousands of others in praying the daily office – alone but together. 

I invite you to pray this week. Pray for those suffering with COVID-19. Pray for the dead. Pray for those on the front lines. Pray for those who are laid-off. Pray for the anxious and the fearful. Pray for each other. Pray for the Church. Pray, my friends, and know that you are not alone. 

God made you; God loves you; and God will sustain you. 

Thanks be to God!

 

CG+

 

PS. If you would like to learn more about the Daily Office, or need a tutorial, shoot me an email and we can arrange something!