Don’t just give up! Lent! It’s more than just giving stuff up. I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self‑examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self‑denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word. BCP p.265 I love this invitation to a holy lent from the Ash Wednesday service in our Book of Common Prayer. I love it because it is as much about taking things up and putting them into action as it is about putting things down and giving them up. All the actions listed in the “invitation” are practices that Christians around the world have followed since the days of the early church. They are tools that help us grow in our relationship with our Lord … IF we are willing to pick them up and use them. One of practices that I would like for us to focus on during this season of Lent is prayer. To that end, Katharine and I will be offering a study on prayer on Sundays during Lent. We will be using the book: Teach us to Pray by Gordon T. Smith. (Even if you are unable to join us for study, I highly recommend that you pick up a copy of the book… and read it!) Why prayer you ask? First and foremost, it will draw our attention to the person and work of Jesus Christ. We grow into the full stature of Christ as we learn and continue to grow in our life of prayer – individually and corporately. So, why not be like the disciples who came to Jesus and said: Lord, teach us to pray. Blessings,
Matthew+ 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. (BCP p. 218) | 
