As Lent approaches, it’s a time for both clergy and laity to deepen their spiritual practices. Andreá Cummings invites us to commit to meaningful growth through daily Bible reading, engaging devotionals, and acts of service as this season calls for reflection, generosity, and connection, encouraging both personal transformation and communal renewal in faith and service.
During the Lenten season, many of us are familiar with the routine: we receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, give up something, commit to reading and meditation on scripture, and donate to those in need. Some of us start off well but then fall short due to a lack of commitment, or, if we’re honest, these practices have become meaningless for us. How will you experience the power of God’s presence during this season? How will you grow in your faith? How will your congregation dig deeper than the usual routine of Lent this year?
As we approach Lent, it’s an opportune time for both clergy and laity to reflect on meaningful practices that can enhance our spiritual journey. Here are some suggestions to help you prepare for this sacred season:
Make a commitment to grow spiritually this Lent.
At the kickoff of the season on Ash Wednesday, consider doing more than Ashes to Go. Attend a noon or evening worship service. Reflect on the meaning of Lent through a time of silence and make a commitment to experience the Holy Spirit in powerful and transformative ways over the 40 days of Lent. Consider the questions: How will you invite your congregation to connect this season with acts of justice? How will you and your church practice generosity in this Lenten season? How will you extend yourselves to those in spiritual, social, economic need? With whom will you walk? With whom will you pray?
Practice daily Bible reading.
Many people do not have a habit of reading the Bible. Most do not take a Bible to church and haven’t opened theirs in years. Read one chapter from the synoptic gospels or the Gospel of John every day. Start with a simple prayer: Lord, as I read your Holy Word, may your Holy Spirit fill me so that I might understand what I am reading and love you fully, as well as my neighbors as myself. Amen. After reading, reflect on what you learned and what God is calling you to do differently.
Engage and share a daily devotional.
If you are developing a devotional for Lent, consider creating a daily reading calendar that covers a chapter a day from the Synoptic Gospels or the Gospel of John. The daily reading schedule includes a written prayer for illumination, followed by the chapter of the day, at least one reflection question, and a closing prayer. This calendar can be sent via email daily at a specific time, posted on your website, or provided as a hard copy for those who may not be tech-savvy. Alternatively, create daily lectio divina reflections, here is an example. Explore Bible studies highlighting African American voices, like these insightful resources: Plenty Good Room: A Lenten Study Based on African American Spirituals by Marilyn E. Thornton and Lewis V. Baldwin and Were You There? Lenten Reflections on Spirituals by Luke A. Powery.
Serve your neighbors.
If you usually give financially to those in need, contribute your time by volunteering at a local food bank or pantry, cooking a meal for an organization that supports those in need in your community. If possible, take the opportunity to connect with the individuals who visit your church or organization. Explore how you or your congregation can host a weekly meal during Lent to engage with your neighbors. Check out “Dinner Church: A Step-by-Step Example, Starting from Scratch.”
As we journey through Lent, it is a time for deeper reflection, growth, and connection. By committing to spiritual practices that go beyond routine, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s presence. Whether it’s through daily Bible reading, engaging in meaningful devotions, or serving others with an open heart, this season invites us to move from the surface to a place of profound change. Let us embrace this opportunity to grow in faith, extend generosity, and walk alongside others in their spiritual journey. May this Lenten season be one of renewal and purposeful transformation for both individuals and communities alike.
Related Resources
- A New Start in Lent by Doug Powe
- Reengaging People During Lent by Tom Berlin
- Creative Lenten Activity Encourages Reflection by Kelly Crespin
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