For the observance of a holy Lent (Book of Common Prayer, Ash Wednesday Liturgy, p. 264)

Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church. Thereby, the whole congregation was put in mind of the message of pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need which all Christians continually have to renew their repentance and faith.

I invite you, therefore in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word……

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Week 1: Ash Wednesday

It is suggested that you carve out a period of at least 45 minutes for the study. Read the scripture passage. You may wish to read from other versions as well. Even if you are doing this alone, read the scripture at least once aloud. Either open or close by praying the confession.
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Prayers for the Candidates (Holy Baptism Liturgy, Book of Common Prayer) Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God? I renounce them. Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God? I renounce them. Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God? I renounce them. Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior? I do. Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love? I do. Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord? I do.
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Matthew 6: 7-15 (New Revised Standard Version) “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then in this way; Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.” For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your father forgive your trespasses.
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Morning Prayer 2: Forgiveness of Sins (Book of Common Prayer p. 80) Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.
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After reading, write a synopsis of the text in your own words. Post this synopsis in the "comments" section. Read and discuss other posted synopses.
  • What is the major theme of the passage that is expressed in each synopsis? What are the individual concerns that are expressed in each synopsis?
  • What new possibilities does the passage open for me? For us?
  • If I were to take seriously the words of my own synopsis, what would that mean for me? For us?
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