So, in Lent, the church seeks to cultivate and deepen awareness of our need for these— both Jesus’ death (on Good Friday) and his resurrection (on Easter Sunday), in our place.

As we remind ourselves each year, Lent is a season of both sober examination and sweet celebration of the Lord’s grace, in solitude and community as we take courage from Jesus’ 40 days in the desert… Where he proved faithful, unlike us. Where he proved faithful, for us. In the desert, He faced three temptations— three lies— that you/I wrestle with now:

I am what I do
I am what I have
I am what others think of me.

And when we believe these, we are left in a kind of desert of our own. Hungry, thirsty, empty.

During Lent, we are invited to fast from our go-to water supplies or cisterns (Jeremiah 2:3)— what we do, what we possess, and what others think of us— and instead, draw on the deep well of God’s grace:

What God has done
What God offers us
What God thinks of us.

How might we more fully orient our lives around who we are as beloved children of God, a Holy People, a Royal Priesthood, the Household of God, and the Body of Christ?

Consider yourself invited to take 5 minutes each day of Lent to ‘re-orient’ in this direction. There are many ways to do this but we are offering a 5 step approach. 5 steps in 5 minutes (or more of course!).

1. Ask for Light

Give your attention to God. Here are some Scriptural prayers that may help:

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1) Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalm 119:105) Lord, by your grace, I want to see what is going on in my life. Open my ears, eyes, and heart to you.

2. Give Thanks

Consider what you are thankful for today, what gave you joy, what was beautiful and good. Did you give someone joy today?

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change (James 1:17). Thank you, Lord.

3. Grieve Hurts

Grieve the ways you have hurt others and the ways you have been hurt. Hold what caused you pain, anger, or sadness today— something you did, left undone, or was done to you.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24) Lord, have mercy.

4. Pray Gratitudes + Griefs to God

What is God's response to you as you bring your gratitudes and your griefs to Him?

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. (Psalm 86:5) A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory (Matthew 12:20). Lord, I rest in you.

5. Look to Tomorrow

What from today is God inviting you to hold onto and let go of as you look toward tomorrow? Is there something you are being invited to do tomorrow after reflecting on today?

Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul… Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Psalm 143:8b, 10)