Redeemer Presbyterian Church (indianapolis)

"Lent is not intended to be an annual ordeal during which we begrudgingly forgo a handful of pleasures," writes Dorothy Sayers. "It is meant to be the church's springtime, a time when, out of the darkness of sin's winter, a repentant, empowered people emerges.” One of the most important ways this can happen is by using this season to build new patterns of living: habits and rhythms that more deeply connect us to Jesus, the source of our life and joy. This week, we invite you to give special attention to the practice of prayer. But instead of an essay, let's listen to some stories. Four members of our community share what prayer looks like in their own lives, and what motivates them to carve out space when so many other things clamor for their attention.

"Lent is not intended to be an annual ordeal during which we begrudgingly forgo a handful of pleasures," writes Dorothy Sayers. "It is meant to be the church's springtime, a time when, out of the darkness of sin's winter, a repentant, empowered people emerges.” One of the most important ways this can happen is by using this season to build new patterns of living: habits and rhythms that more deeply connect us to Jesus, the source of our life and joy. This week, we invite you to give special attention to the practice of prayer. But instead of an essay, let's listen to some stories. Four members of our community share what prayer looks like in their own lives, and what motivates them to carve out space when so many other things clamor for their attention.

"Lent is not intended to be an annual ordeal during which we begrudgingly forgo a handful of pleasures," writes Dorothy Sayers. "It is meant to be the church's springtime, a time when, out of the darkness of sin's winter, a repentant, empowered people emerges.” One of the most important ways this can happen is by using this season to build new patterns of living: habits and rhythms that more deeply connect us to Jesus, the source of our life and joy. This week, we invite you to give special attention to the practice of prayer. But instead of an essay, let's listen to some stories. Four members of our community share what prayer looks like in their own lives, and what motivates them to carve out space when so many other things clamor for their attention.

"Lent is not intended to be an annual ordeal during which we begrudgingly forgo a handful of pleasures," writes Dorothy Sayers. "It is meant to be the church's springtime, a time when, out of the darkness of sin's winter, a repentant, empowered people emerges.” One of the most important ways this can happen is by using this season to build new patterns of living: habits and rhythms that more deeply connect us to Jesus, the source of our life and joy. This week, we invite you to give special attention to the practice of prayer. But instead of an essay, let's listen to some stories. Four members of our community share what prayer looks like in their own lives, and what motivates them to carve out space when so many other things clamor for their attention.

While Scripture doesn't require anyone to observe Lent, many Christians throughout the ages have found it helpful to set apart this season with a particular focus on prayer, fasting, and self-examination. At its best, Lent can function as a kind of spiritual checkup; a way for us to examine our hearts, take stock of our lives, and ask how God might be leading us to grow. As we journey through these weeks leading up to Easter, we'll be sending out a weekly email with some practical guidance on how to engage this season well. This week, Sam Haist and Erin Anderson talk a little bit about the practice of fasting: what it means, why we might do it, and other ways we can carve out space for God if fasting from food isn't right for you. We hope you find it helpful.