Sacredise - Resources for Lent

The Journey of Lent

The season of Lent is one that is often misunderstood. For some it passes without thought, while for others it's simply a time of "giving up" certain things. This season began, though, as a time of preparation for new believers who were to be baptised at Easter time. Over time, others began to share this journey of preparation, and the season became a significant part of the church's journey through the year.

In Lent, traditionally, three disciplines were to be practiced in earnest as part of the soul's preparation for the journey through Christ's suffering and triumph in Holy Week. These were fasting, alms giving and prayer. In the worship life of the church, though, Lent provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on Christ's life among us, and prepare for the celebration of Holy Week. There can be no question that the message of Easter is far more powerful when the heart has been prepared through the discipline of Lent.

These simple resources are given to assist you in your journey through this significant season. Enjoy!

Note: There are also lots of resources for the individual weeks of Lent according to the Revised Common Lectionary. Check this page for the resources for this year.

Liturgy:

A Liturgy for Ash Wednesday (pdf)

(To download, right click and select "Save As...")

NOTE: This liturgy does not include a section for Communion. It is structured around the ritual of the ashes. It can easily be placed within another Communion Liturgy if this is desired - for example, A Liturgy for the Celebration of Sacrifice.

Prayers:

The Wisdom Of Ash
Dust
(NOTE: While the following prayers are not specific to Lent, the themes they explore can be easily integrated with the Lenten journey.)

Remembering and Returning

Skeletons

Where Is The Grace?

The Wrong Sorts Of People

You're Amazing God

Music:

In Your Mercy, Lord

(A song of confession and absolution. From the album Songs for the Road - preview it here)

Video:

Lenten Reflection

A lovely video reflection from Christine Sine of Godspace available on YouTube.

Links:

Liturgy and Spirituality

The website (and blog) of Bosco Peters, an Anglican Priest from New Zealand. Bosco has some wonderful Lenten reflections and resources on his site.

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