Today ushers in a special season in the church calendar, Lent. For many, regardless of affiliation or denomination, it is the annual opportunity taken to focus our hearts, submit ourselves more fully to God's calling, and to deny ourselves things that could pose a hindrance to our self-examination and repentance. As you consider the urging of the Holy Spirit, take a moment, an hour, a day, or a weekend, to separate yourself from the mumblings of the world. Turn you eyes and hearts to readings (such as the excerpt below from The Book of Common Prayer), prayers, music, and/or nature. Listen closely for the whispers of truth that will come your way, and prepare your soul for the transformative power of reflection and silence.
'Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily
lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. '
The Book of Common Prayer
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