“ O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, faint-heartedness, lust of power and idle talk. But give me rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love. Yea, O Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother; for thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.”
Introduction to the Season of Lent
Lent is a season in which the Church narrows its focus on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The word Lent comes from an old Saxon term meaning “lengthen,” referring to the lengthening days of spring. The season culminates in the Triduum—the three days from Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday—when we move from Christ’s Last Supper to his crucifixion, burial, and glorious resurrection.
Lasting approximately 40 days (excluding Sundays), Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates on Easter Sunday. The significance of these 40 days echoes key moments in Scripture: the flood in Noah’s time (Gen. 6–8), Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai (Exod. 24:12–18), and Jesus’ fasting and temptation in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1–11, Mark 1:9–12, Luke 4:1–13).
In the early Church, Lent was a period of preparation for those desiring baptism. Over time, it became a season of renewal and recommitment to following Christ. Lent invites us to empty ourselves of lesser things so that we might be filled with the greater things of God’s kingdom. You may hear someone say they are “giving something up for Lent,” a form of fasting not for physical gain but as a way to refocus attention and affections on God. Others may take on spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Scripture memorization, or acts of service. Taking on a spiritual practice during Lent is a form of intentionally redirecting our hearts toward Christ.
In our culture, it can be easy to reduce Easter to a celebration of springtime traditions—egg hunts, brunches, and family gatherings. But Lent reminds us that resurrection comes only after the cross. Before we rejoice in Easter’s victory, we walk the path of Christ’s suffering, bearing witness to the reality of sin, sorrow, and loss in our world. In doing so, we also affirm the fullness of the human experience—pain and joy, grief and hope, death and new life.
Lent is an invitation to journey with Jesus to the cross so that we might fully grasp the joy of Resurrection Sunday. As the angel declared at the empty tomb, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matt. 28:6). May this season prepare our hearts to receive that good news anew.
Spiritual Practices at Emmanuel
Prayer Group on Zoom Tuesdays at 1pm and Thursdays at 6:30am
Beginning on Tuesday March 11th, we will meet for 30 minutes on Zoom and pray through a Psalm of lament together. We will use the Psalm to prompt our prayers. Pastor Patrick will lead us. Please join us and keep your video off to create a prayerful environment. You are encouraged to pray out loud as you feel prompted. Zoom link for 6:30 am on Thursdays and Zoom link for 1pm meeting on Tuesdays.
Book Study
O Taste and See: A biblical Reflection on Experiencing God By Bonnie Thurston
Wednesdays starting 3/12 weekly until 4/8 at 3-4pm
We will meet at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church to discuss roughly one chapter. We will also pray portions of Psalm 34 together. Come whenever you like, even if you haven’t read. At the first session we will discuss through Chapter 1. No need to buy the book 25 copies will be available in the narthex until we run out.
Sunday 3/16, 3/30 & 4/13 at 11:30-12:30
A second option is on Sundays after service. Since this group only meets three times we will read roughly 2 chapters per week. At the first session we will discuss through Chapter 2.