Prayers for Lent and Advent -

Advent is a season observed in many Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. Advent comes from the Latin word meaning "coming" and Jesus is coming. We often miss Advent's power because these December weeks are full of secular Christmas parties and preparations for Christmas. Each year, the busyness of this season serves to distract us from having an Advent season that truly prepares us for the celebration of Christmas, with all its meaning. This site offers simple ways to enter into this Advent season, week by week, in the midst of our everyday lives. While we typically regard Advent as a joyous season, it is also intended to be a period of preparation, much like Lent. Prayer, penance and fasting are appropriate during this season. Millions of people do this during Lent as a sign of sacrifice and to test their self-discipline. Christians believe that this is to represent Jesus Christ's sacrifice when he went into the desert to pray and fast for the 40 days before later dying on the cross. There is nothing magical in the act itself, but through it there is an invitation to intentionally hear from God, to stop, reflect, pray, forgive, love and act. The Lent of the Nativity (Advent Lent) begins on December 1, and ends on Christmas Day. This is the season of preparation. `Advent' is a Latin word meaning `a coming, or arrival'. This is the season to prepare for the arrival of Jesus. Let this season be a blessed one for each one of us. By fasting, let's set up some space in our hearts to receive our Lord Jesus Christ who was born in the City of David some 2000 years ago. Lent Reflection Series, similar to the Advent Prayer Calendar, this space is an invitation to daily reflect on what God is saying to you through His word throughout the Lenten period. Lent is a season of the Christian calendar, the 40 days (plus the 7 Sundays, so 47 days in total) leading up to Easter Sunday that is embraced by many traditions of the Christian Church throughout the world. Lent is a time of reflection and renewed faith as we focus on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Use these Lent prayers as you take time to sacrifice in order to clear distractions and recommit your life to Jesus. You might first think that Lent is just about giving up junk food or vowing yet again to create healthy habits in your life, but I’ve come to discover a much deeper (and more powerful) purpose behind this weeks leading up to Easter. We invite you to read on, and see if the Lord might be stirring in your own heart as this Lenten season begins. Perhaps these Lenten p will echo the own prayers on your heart, and perhaps this season will be one you come to appreciate in new ways, too. That, to me, is what Lent is all about. Being surprised by joy. Sacrificing our selves as we focus on greater intimacy and unity with Christ. Finding our truest joy in Jesus alone.