The season of Lent finds its roots in the early 2nd-century church. The Lenten season is 40 days in which the church reflects on the life and death of Jesus. The 40 days of Lent reflect the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert being tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13).
As the Park Community Church, we are walking through the Lectionary, reflecting on how the world was changed by the presence of Jesus. Jesus healed people, cast out demons and performed miracles. He also pointed out the sin and the idols in people’s lives. He is doing the same even today.
While we walk through this season of Lent, let us be quick to confess our sins and our shortcomings. Let us pray more. Let us read the Word of God more. Let us mourn our brokenness and sinful nature, for which Jesus died on a cross. But let us hold fast to the truth that He has defeated death through his resurrection.
All of Lent points toward Easter Sunday, in which we celebrate Jesus’ victory over death. This Lenten journey is one of sacrifice and sober-mindedness, but it is also one of certainty and joy. We worship a God who is victorious.
As we meditate on the things of God, we practice cruciform living in the context of a church that is family. We forgo our own personal comforts to seek the love and edification of the church. In this guide and its online components, you will find devotionals, prayers, practices, challenges, and supplements for your personal time with the Lord.
We pray this season draws us into a closer walk with the Father. We pray that the Spirit moves to grow us in our passion for God, in compassion for others and in our wisdom in everyday decisions. We pray that we can experience the presence of the Son. We pray that the kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven.