Participating in Lent is still fairly new to Calvary, although you may be more familiar with this season and some fo the habits of the global church during Lent. Lent is set aside as a period to prepare your heart for Easter. Have you have ever shown up to church on a Sunday morning after a frustrating or chaotic morning? It’s disorienting to suddenly turn your heart to worship, isn’t it? It’s hard, sometimes even impossible. Easter morning can be like that when we don’t prepare our hearts. Suddenly (you feel) you’re supposed to be deeply affected by the joy and celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, but…your heart just isn’t there.

So let’s prepare, working our way through the story of the cross—with all the pain and lament that involves—to the breaking open of the tomb and all the wonder that goes with it. Lent can also help you get into a regular rhythm of Bible reading or devotional time if you aren’t already.

WHAT DO I DO WITH THIS TIME? First and foremost, divert time and attention to God. In the traditional practice, people give up something for Lent to remind them of their dependence upon God. Then when they desire or would normally participate in that thing, they turn instead to prayer or Bible reading asking God to be present and guide you to his truth.

DAILY DEVOTIONS In 2021, our pastor and staff team wrote 40 devotions for the Lenten season (Sundays are a rest day). We’ve reloaded the daily devotions about living the “cross-shaped” life for 2022.

Let us encourage you to embark on this season of prayer and preparation. If we can help you on the way, let us know.