The Lenten Journey at the Short North

Lent is a time of preparation. The forty days of Lent are not accidental. 40 is a number used in the Bible to highlight preparation, gestation and renewal. It is a season of longing and anticipation as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter. Lent is nothing but self-indulgence, even in our self-denial, if we do not set our hearts and minds upon Christ: his life, death, and resurrection.

In preparation for Easter, this Lenten Journey invites us to embrace three simple spiritual disciplines during the 40 days of Lent.

Daily Personal Prayer and Reflection

Commit to 30 minutes of daily prayer and reflection on scripture.

This first discipline of the Lenten Journey will focus on developing a rhythm of personal prayer and scripture reading and meditation. You may use the Veritas Prayer Guide for Lent or any other resource you choose.

Weekly Vespers Service

Commit to attending a weekly vespers service.

Vespers (evening prayer) is one of the most ancient rhythms of the Church. This second discipline of the Lenten Journey invites us to gather for corporate prayer. During the season of Lent, we will meet on Sunday evenings from 5pm-6pm at Veritas Short North to devote an hour to contemplative readings of God’s Word and a time of responsive prayer. We believe God’s word is living and is meant to be lived out among us as we proclaim, receive, reflect, and respond to the Word of Christ. Pastors and members of the prayer team will be available for prayer during this time.

Spiritual Companioning

Commit to walking with another in this Lenten Journey.

Martin Luther famously said that “We are all mere beggars showing other beggars where to find bread.” The word companion literally means “with bread”. The third discipline of this Lenten Journey invites us to Spiritual Companionship. We encourage you to find a companion with whom to share the Bread of Life. This is a commitment to offering yourself to another in the form of attentive listening and prayer. A short guide will be provided at veritascolumbus.com/lent to help orient the conversation toward Christ. If you need help finding a companion, talk with your community group leader, or email veritas@veritascolumbus.com and we will connect you with a pastor, staff or member of the Soul Care team who will be available for Spiritual Companionship during this Lenten Journey.

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