Southwood United Church – Introduction to Lent Devotions 2026
Greetings in the name of Jesus! As I write this I am looking forward to being in sunny warm Panama, but I wanted to let you know that I am continuing my faith journey with you by providing devotions for Lent, starting on Ash Wednesday February 18. Once again these devotions will follow our lectionary, which is in Year A of our three year cycle.
As you may know, Lent is the period of forty days, not including Sundays, before Easter and is traditionally a time of contemplation and preparation. In the ancient church, adherents to the Christian faith would forgo some ordinary tasks such as the preparation of meals to provide more time to study and explore their faith to become ready to become full members of the church on Easter Sunday. There is no requirement for you to give up anything to follow this Lenten devotion series. Instead, consider this an opportunity to take time to deepen your faith.
As always, this series of Lenten devotions provides a Bible reference, a reflection starter, and a prayer for each day during Lent. If you only have a few minutes, simply read the reference and carry the thought with you during your day. If you have more time, you may want to open the Bible translation of your choice and prayerfully read more of the reference passage. Allow the prayer to be a starting point for your own prayer time. If you miss a day or more, don’t feel guilty or think that you need to catch up. You can if you want, but if you don’t have time or energy, simply carry on from the current day. These last days of winter can be dull and dreary. Spring may seem a long way off. If you need of help of any kind, please contact our church office.
