I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church,
to observe a holy Lent:
by self–examination and repentance;
by prayer, fasting, and self–denial;
and by reading and meditating on God's Holy Word.

This week's topic is prayer! Part of our call to Lenten discipline is to spend more time in prayer. How much time do you spend in prayer on an average day? I find it helpful to remind myself that prayer is both listening to and speaking with God. Otherwise, I will fill my prayer time with my words to God and forget to listen for God's words to me.

I have also found it helpful to designate certain times of the day to prayer. My most significant prayer time is in the morning before I 'begin my day.' During this time I read Scripture, pray extemporaneously, use guided prayer and read a devotional. Then, throughout the day, I mark the transitions of the day with prayer ~ arriving at work, midday, evening and before bed. This general pattern works for me, but probably won't work for you exactly. We all have to find our own rhythm to our prayer relationship with God.

During these weeks of Lent we are invited to be more intentional about our spiritual disciplines, including prayer. What prayer disciplines have worked for you? What prayer disciplines would you like to try? Do you feel a need to deepen your prayer life? How has Lent become more meaningful or richer for you through prayer?

May these weeks of Lent be a blessing and a challenge to us all as we draw closer to the cross and the empty tomb!