This congregation uses in it’s worship a system of Bible reading called the lectionary.  Some folks who know little of this practice have claimed that, whatever a lectionary is, it just proves that Presbyterians don’t take the Bible seriously.  I disagree.  The lectionary is simply a way of selecting different scripture readings (or lections) for each Sunday of the year.  Over a three year period following this plan, you would read most of the Bible.  It is simply a tool or discipline opening us up to the Word.  When Jesus stood up in the synagogue and read the scripture, it was probably a part of an orderly series of readings similiar to our lectionary.  Now it is true that the Roman Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans and other groups have been using it much longer that we Presbyterians.  In my early ministry folks in the reformed tradition were somewhat cautious about using it.  About 80-90% of my sermons have followed the lectionary.  There are exceptions.  During Lent this year I would like to select scripture from Old and New Testaments that may stretch our understanding and practice of prayer.  This would be our theme in the Sundays leading up to Easter.  The word, “Lent” means lengthening.  It was derived from the lengthening of daylight as we move out of winter.  For the Christian disciple it came to mean lengthening or stretching our faith in a season of heightened spiritual discipline.

The theme and content of this Lenten preaching series will be new to me as well.  It comes out of my need to grow in the life of prayer. That’s right, the pastor admits to needing help in the rhythm and scope of prayer.  Also it is so important for this church to approach the interim time between called pastors with a commitment to pray constantly.  Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  (Philippians 4:6)  A first step in this interim period was the listening groups to know what concerns and hopes were expressed by members of the church.  Along with that, we are to make our needs known to God with thanksgiving, and listen to what the author of all prayer is saying to us.  Prayer is the life blood of knowing God and obeying God.  In the school prayer we are all beginning or beginning again.  So come and join us on the journey in Lent.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:7)