Episcopal Relief and Development

Sometimes it's difficult to focus our attention on the things that really matter. When we're not able to fully open ourselves to them, we miss out on the peace and grace that they provide. As Christians, we are fortunate to have the season of Lent to prepare ourselves for the celebration of the Resurrection at Easter. Just as Christ spent forty days fasting in the desert, we can spend forty days engaging in practices to commit our lives to a deeper spiritual focus.

One of the ways the Book of Common Prayer invites all Christians "to the observance of a holy Lent" is "by reading and meditating on God's holy Word." A great resource that can help with this practice is the Lenten devotional prepared every year by Episcopal Relief and Development. The devotional focuses on creating economic opportunities and strengthening communities, with a particular focus on empowering women. The daily readings are co-authored by a group of leaders from across the Anglican Communion, who bring a range of perspectives as they reflect on Scripture and other sources of spiritual wisdom.

You can begin thinking about how you might fit the practice of using the devotional into your day, and then pick up your copy at St. Paul's. Just taking the time to read every day is a helpful practice, but you can also think about ways that you can take some time to yourself to deepen your experience:

Is there a specific time of day (first thing in the morning, at lunchtime, at bedtime) that you can set aside each day to use the devotional? You can try lighting a candle or simply taking a few deep breaths to help you prepare.

Would you like to gather with your family, or a prayer buddy, to read and think about the devotional together?

Think about how you might like to process what you've read. Some people find sitting quietly to be a good way to meditate on what they've read. Other people find taking a walk helps.Frequently, people journal about what they've felt and noticed. You may also find that creating a drawing or other piece of art helps. What practices feel most authentic to you? How does God move in your life?

If you feel like you may not be able to consistently use a print devotional, consider singing up for an emailed copy of each day's devotions here. As soon as you check your email, your daily meditation will be waiting for you!

This year, I hope you will join the community of Christians walking the path of Lent, reflecting on personal faith and our relationships with our global neighbors.Erin Morey, ERD coordinator at St. Paul's