Prayer

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Prayers At Lent

Prayer may generally be described as that activity in which we are drawn closer to God in contemplation and communication. Prayer is our half of a conversation with God. That means that prayer is not only speaking, but listening as well.

Prayer finds its anchor and focus in the Sunday Eucharist with the community of faith -- that Holy Supper in which we take God into ourselves by eating the Body and Blood of Christ. All prayer during the week springs forth from that union on Sunday and eagerly anticipates our Communion on the next Sunday.

It helps to have a consistent time and a quiet place for prayer, although prayer can happen anytime and anywhere. A cross or crucifix and a lighted candle can help create your place for prayer. For devotional aids or spiritual direction during the season of Lent, make an appointment with the pastor.

Daily prayer might include these things:

1. Begin by signing yourself with the cross and the words of Invocation. Then simply be quiet for a moment in God's presence.

2. Use a devotional aid such as The Word in Season, Christ in Our Home, or the Way of the Cross as a guide for prayer and meditation.

3. Use one of the Daily Prayer or Responsive Prayer services in the front of the Lutheran Book of Worship (pp.131-164), following the lessons in the Daily Lectionary on pp.178-192.

4. The Psalms are a wonderful treasure for prayer.

5. Read scripture each day, perhaps the Sermon on the Mount (Matt.5-7) or a portion of the Passion Narrative (Matt. 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, John 18-19). Or take a book of the Bible, divide the number of chapters by the 40 days of Lent and read those portions each day.

6. The Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, the Creeds or even Luther's Small Catechism are good for meditation and prayer.

7. Examine yourself in light of your reading and meditation, and ask God to lead you into repentance and renewal in faith.

8. Close your prayer time with a favorite prayer, the Lord's Prayer, or the following prayer: "Heavenly Lord, thank you for this day and for this time of prayer. Through the discipline of Lent, help me to grow in my love for you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”