The following is adapted from the “Invitation to the Observance of Lenten Discipline” used in many churches of Reformed tradition at the beginning of Lent.
“Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: The early Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church that before the Easter celebration there should be a forty-day season of spiritual preparation. During this season converts to the faith were prepared for Baptism. It was also a time when persons who had committed serious sins and had separated themselves from the community of faith were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness and restored to participation in the life of the church. In this way the whole congregation was reminded of the mercy and forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the need we all have to renew our faith. I invite you, therefore…to observe a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial, and by reading and meditation on God’s Holy Word.”
Grace Congregational Church members and friends have contributed to this year’s Lenten devotionals. This year’s Lenten theme is “Good enough: Embracing the imperfections of life and faith.” Today’s devotional was contributed by Terry Hanley.