So, what are you giving up for Lent this year? The frequency of that question is oftentimes only eclipsed by the two most popular answers: chocolate and Facebook. While you might benefit in some way from cutting back on both, I challenge you to look closer at what the Lenten season asks of us:

• Reflect on our relationship with God.
• Repent for ways we have damaged that relationship.
• Recalibrate our lives to the will of God.
• Recommit ourselves to loving God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Each day, from Ash Wednesday (March 6) through Holy Saturday (April 20), I’ll post a short devotion to help spark the process of reflection, repentance, recalibration, and recommitment. There will be a focusing thought, usually in the form of a question, as well as quotes, scripture, and hymns to further stimulate our thinking.

Join me in prayer for God’s direction and transformation over these next 40 days…

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Common Book of Prayer)