Today is the beginning of Lent, a period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ's sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days, and is marked by fasting, both from food and festivities. Whilst Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus after his death on the cross, Lent recalls the events leading up to and including Jesus' crucifixion. Today is a day of penitence to clean the soul before the Lent fast.

"Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

Loving God, we bring ourselves, our churches, and our world before you: we ask that you show us, alone and together, how to turn and walk in your ways. Amen.