We are, right now in the season of Lent. Lent is traditionally a penitential season, a season of reflection, repentance and preparation. Following the example of Jesus, who for forty days spent time in prayer, fasting and solitude, we approach this season before Easter with the determination to reflect on our lives, repent of our wrong doing and prepare for the Resurrection event.
Like Christmas, the Lent/Easter season is both a commemoration and an observance. We remember the life of Jesus and the events surrounding his ministry on earth and we ourselves observe or participate in spiritual disciplines that are patterned after Jesus' actions.
Spiritual disciplines like prayer – prayer that goes beyond the hurried rote repetition of familiar prayers like the "Our Father" to deep, personal, heartfelt prayer – prayers from the gut, as I like to call them. Prayers that come from the heart, not just the head or the mouth. Prayers that recognize our utter and complete dependence on God. Just like Jesus who went away, alone and often to pray, because he recognized that in order to do the work he was called to do, in order to complete his mission which was to declare that the Kingdom of God had come near to the people through his ministry of teaching, preaching and healing, he needed to depend totally and fully on the power of God.
So do we. If we are to accomplish anything of lasting value in this life, we need to follow the example of Jesus' life, the cornerstone of which was prayer. And prayer that is not confined to asking, but prayer that is also listening. Listening for what God wants to do in, around and through us. Listening is an important part of communication. Listening is an important part of prayer. That is why we need to turn away from the distractions of the world and tune in to the voice of God which comes to us in the stillness.
God's revelation and manifestation come to us when we are able to intentionally shut out the noise and chaos of the world. Sometimes we may have to seek out a deserted place in order to tune in to God. I assure you, it is worth the effort.
Perhaps you've never done this. Perhaps you haven't done it for a long time. But spending time alone with God is necessary if we are to live lives that are meaningful and fruitful. The scripture lesson from the gospel of Matthew for Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent invites us to prayer and fasting “in secret”, not announcing to the world that we have entered into this activity, but allowing the results of our prayer work to show in our lives.
One of my favorite radio announcers ends his show with this line:
“Remember if you want something that you've never had, you need to do something you've never done.”If we want lives that are filled with the fruit of the Spirit, (Love, Peace Joy, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Patience and Self Control) we must be prepared to do our prayer work, devoting the time to communication with God in sincerity and hope. I invite us to make the effort during this season of Lent “and the Father who sees in secret will reward [us] openly.”
Blessings,
Pastor Laurel