The Lord will provide
Second Sunday in Lent
Blessed Lent, friends!
I’m showing up in your inbox a bit later today. We have family visiting, and today’s publishing time got delayed. Thanks for your patience!
Today’s letter includes:
An excerpt from last week’s update to paid subscribers about what I’m learning so far this Lent
The church’s scripture, prayer, and practices for this week in Lent
Plus, for paid subscribers only
Today’s art and music pairing for contemplative prayer
An update from what I’m learning this Lent + a glimpse into this week at A Restful Lent Daybook
Let's begin.
Reflecting on last week
Last Sunday, I shared with paid subscribers some of what I’m learning about fasting and feasting. Here’s an excerpt:
One more note about fasting: I have found how important feasting is to help me name the distinction between fasting for certain things and repenting for certain other things. For example, in my first few years of observing Lent, I chose to fast things that really were habits and objects that just needed to go from my life altogether. When it was time to feast, I knew that cussing all day on Sunday or mindlessly binging on social media did not feel like feasting in the least. So, the habits of cussing and mindless binging became the place where I asked God to lead me into repentance.
On the other hand, in moderation, eating some waffles or chocolate or a glass or two of delicious wine is a beautiful element of feasting. Fasting from wine, waffles, and chocolate during Lent will hopefully give me space to pray about the addictive and angry behaviors, like mindless media binging and cynical cussing, that disconnect me from the love of God and others.
Maybe you all knew this already, but I discovered I need to be reminded every single year!
Community Practice & Prayer
Read today’s lectionary passages from the Book of Common Prayer (Year B)
Genesis 22:1-14; Psalm 16:6-12v; Romans 8:31-39; Mark 8:31-381
Pray out loud the Collect for the Second Sunday in Lent from the Book of Common Prayer.
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Break the fast
On Sundays during Lent, we break our fast (at least partially). Enjoy something you've given up, giving thanks to Christ for the abundance we receive from his obedience and great love.
Keep practicing and praying the daily office from the Book of Common Prayer.
Subscribe to A Restful Lent Daybook to receive daily Scripture, prayers, and practices for Lent. If you’d prefer not to do that, you can access this week’s scripture readings, as well as morning and evening prayers, on my church’s website.
Contemplative Practice & Prayer
Prayerfully contemplate and respond to today’s art and music pairing.
Note: I hope you enjoy the bonus song today. I couldn’t limit myself to only one!
