A Lent Prayer by Rachel Dawson

This 40-day season of Lent isn’t one I always acknowledged, much less appreciated. (No shame if that's you, too!) It’s only been recent, as I’ve come to see the beauty and richness that come from intentionality in my faith, that I’ve chosen to focus my attention and energy on engaging fully in this Lenten season, especially in the area of prayer.

I opened the devotional Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter this morning and read a quote that struck me:

“Lent is the season in which we ought to be surprised by joy. Our self-sacrifices serve no purpose unless, by laying aside this or that desire, we are able to focus on our heart’s deepest longing: unity with Christ. In him-- in his suffering and death, his resurrection and triumph, we find our truest joy.”

That, to me, is what Lent is all about. Being surprised by joy. Sacrificing ourselves as we focus on greater intimacy and unity with Christ. Finding our truest joy in Jesus alone.

You might first think that Lent is just about giving up junk food or vowing again to create healthy habits in your life, but I’ve found a much deeper (and more powerful) purpose behind these weeks leading up to Easter. I invite you to read on, and see if the Lord might be stirring in your heart as this Lenten season begins. May these Lenten prayers echo your heart's prayers, and this season will be one you come to appreciate in new ways, too.

Whether you are looking for a prayer to use on Ash Wednesday, throughout your fasting season, or during the Holy Week, re are some prayers for Lent that can help you focus on your spiritual life in Christ: www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/a-prayer-for-lent.html

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