February: Prayer and Fasting

This year the month of February brings with it one of the most holy days on the liturgical calendar - Ash Wednesday. But what is Ash Wednesday and why is it important as we enter the season of Lent? Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent. On Ash Wednesday it is tradition that Christians around the world receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their forehead or sprinkled on top of their head. Typically, these ashes are from the palm leaves which were used in the previous year’s Palm Sunday service. The ashes themselves are used to represent an internal state of penance and mourning. A few biblical texts that highlight the use of ashes are as follows:

Job 42:6 

“I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”

Daniel 9:3

“So, I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes.”

            In these examples another truth becomes evident; sitting or being covered in ashes marks a turning point. Specifically in the book of Job, we see a story of a man who has everything; loses it all, surrenders to God in the end, realizing that he only sees through a keyhole of God’s creative order. Job acknowledges his own humanity and God’s sovereignty, which leads him to a state of penance that he had not recognized was needed. In the case of Daniel, he had just discovered that, “Jerusalem must lie desolate for seventy years.” (Dan. 9:2) The prophet Daniel mourns for his people as he reads about what they will face over the next several decades. Are we currently in a state of mourning? Is God calling us to a place to remember his sovereignty? 

            As we enter the season of Lent; let us remember it as a season of prayer and fasting. It exists so that the people of God can turn their focus to God. Traditionally, fasting during Lent involved abstaining from consumption of food for a period of time. However, that has since evolved to include more than just fasting from food. Today you might see someone mention giving up television, social media, or certain types of music for Lent. As we approach Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent, let us consider what is holding us back from growing closer to God. Is this thing something that God is asking us to give up?

Hebrews 12:1-3

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God. Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.” 

Peace to you,

Rev. Taylor Kibler

Spiritual Discipline for the Month

Process of Examen

This month I want to introduce the spiritual practice of examen. Ignatius of Loyola is credited with having invented the practice. I surmise that this is one of the most helpful disciplines to practice during Lent. The idea is simple, yet incredibly illuminating. The discipline is generally practiced twice a day, once in the morning and again in the noontime or evening. The practitioner will reflect on the following questions.

1.      What brings me life?

2.      What takes life from me?

Or

1.      For what am I most grateful?

2.      For what am I least grateful?

Write down your responses and periodically look back on what you have written.