Slow to anger and abounding in love

+ a resource to help you practice lament this week

Blessed Lent, friends!

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

Today’s letter includes:

• A personal note about missed deadlines and changed plans

• Community practices and prayers for the second Sunday in Lent

Plus, for paid subscribers

• Today’s art and music pairing

• Contemplative practices and prayers

• A resource to help you practice lament this week

On a personal note, You may or may not have noticed that my third Saturday in Lent edition of the Love & Unlove series did not arrive yesterday! I was at a seminary residency in Boston and unable to complete it in time! It’s almost written, and I hope to send it out later today or tomorrow. Watch your inbox!

Speaking of seminary and changing plans, I have also been unable to offer the Sunday silent hours I announced at the beginning of Lent. (Have you heard of the “first week of Lent” syndrome? It’s a thing.) I may offer one or two before the end of the season and will keep you posted. Thanks for understanding!

Now, let’s begin our meditation for the third Sunday in Lent.

---

Communion

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

Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 103:1-12; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9¹

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

Heavenly Father, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you: Look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants, and purify our disordered affections, that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus; 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.

---

Contemplation

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

Inhale: Lord, you are slow to anger

Exhale: and abounding in steadfast love.

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

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