As we noted some forty or so days ago, the Latin word lent means “length” and is a term used to denote the arrival of the Spring season. A season in which the world is filled with newness, from buds to berries, blossoms to babies, the greening of grass to the lengthening of sunlight; in Spring, the whole world seems reborn!
It’s fitting then, that Lent’s destination, Easter, marks the beginning of our “Christian calendar,” the rebirth of life with God through Jesus. Post-Easter morning, we live in a world bursting with newness. Each morning waking in what the apostle Paul dubs, “the new country of grace” (Rom. 6:2).
So this week, let us join together in Springtime prayer, for the newness to birth not only around us, but within as well.
Wonderful Savior, please help us to use this newly revived springtime season to revive a newness in our hearts, a frehness of your Spirit in our homes and in our lives. Help us to respond to life with mercy, meekness, consideraton and love; as Jesus did.
As we live day by day, remind us of the beauty of spring, and what new beginnings mean within us and in the lives of those around us. Place those in our path that need help to see and experience the springing of your life in them. Present us with situations where we can support one another, teach us what to pray on behalf of friend, family and enemy, and give us wisdom to live with courage coupled with compassion.
Becasue Jesus lives, and we live with him. Amen.