Shelter in the wilderness

+ A personal note about how fasting is “working” for me and an unconventional suggestion for fasting and feasting this week

Blessed Lent, friends!

Welcome to the first Sunday in the Church’s six-week journey of prayerful repentance.

Today’s letter includes:

• Community practices and prayers for the First Sunday in Lent

Plus, for paid subscribers

• Today’s art and music pairing

• Contemplative practices and prayers for Ash Wednesday

• A personal note about how fasting is “working” for me and an unconventional suggestion for fasting and feasting this week!

Note: For a better viewing experience, click the title of today’s post to view the image and play the video from the Substack app or my Substack website.

Let’s begin.

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Communion

Read today’s lectionary passages from the Book of Common Prayer (Year C)

Deuteronomy 26:5-11; Psalm 91:9-16; Romans 10:4-13; Luke 4:1-13¹

Pray out loud the Collect for the First Sunday in Lent from the Book of Common Prayer.

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations, and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for 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.

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Contemplation

Begin with a simple breath prayer from today’s lectionary:

Inhale: Lord our refuge,

Exhale: shelter me in the wilderness.

Repeat gently until you sense you are ready to move forward.

Prayerfully contemplate and respond to today’s art and music pairing.