With so much upheaval in the world, I find myself entering the season of Lent already on my knees praying for so much that is entirely out of my control. I revisit and share this post—and one of my few attempts at poetry below—in early Lent each year in hopes that you, too, will find it a season to pause and turn inward. That still small voice of God’s Holy Spirit is waiting for us.  

Lent as a church season

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter. It consists of 40 weekdays, observed by Christians as a penitential and devotional preparation for Holy Week and Easter Sunday’s remembrance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also a liturgical commemoration of the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert before starting his public ministry.

Lent as a personal pilgrimage

Growing up in the Episcopal Church, it was traditional to give up something we enjoyed during Lent (e.g., chocolate or dessert or meat on Fridays). In recent years, though, I prefer to use the time to take on a new discipline: a book study, additional daily prayer time, a retreat. I write more often in my prayer journal so I can be intentional about my connection and conversation with God. I try hard to adopt the mindset of using whatever I take on—or give up—as a reminder to focus on God, not just as a self-improvement project. Even small changes to my daily routine can trigger a reminder of God and give me an opportunity, however brief, to commune with Him.

Lent is a time to slow down and step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. According to Merriam-Webster, the word derives from Old English “lente” meaning springtime, but I wonder if it doesn’t also have the same roots as the French word “lent” which means “slow.” Many times in his life, Christ himself modeled for us the importance of seeking the slower pace he found in solitude. This intentional time for communion with God was essential to his ministry. It is surely essential for us too.

Lent has long moved me. I find my sensitivity to Spirit quickens at this time, primarily, I’m sure because I make the space for it. I write very little poetry, but in 2003, Lent inspired me to write Lent Calls, and I share it with you here. I wish I could say I have progressed spiritually from the tug of worldly demands I was feeling when I wrote it, but alas I still fall far short of where I’d like to be in that regard.

Below the poem is the beautifully illustrated rendition done by my incredibly talented friend Lynne Crumpacker. If there is sufficient interest, I will get it printed on quality paper, ready for framing. Please let me know using the contact form on this site’s Get In Touch Page if you want to be put on a no-obligation list to be notified if printing and pricing are decided.

Lent CallsLent calls to me again . . .To do what?Like Martha, I tend towards doingDoing is something I understand            Chairing a committee            Taking food to the sick            Reading the Bible Lent calls to me again . . .He wants more of me than I’ve ever given            More than Lenten study            More than giving up dessert            More than extra church services Lent calls to me again . . .He wants more of me and I’m frightened            Frightened of losing control            Frightened of letting go            Frightened of what He might ask me to do if I really listened Lent calls to me again . . .I feel a yearning, a tugging towards something more            Whispers of a love unimaginable            Glimpses of a relationship unshakable            Tastes of a water so clear and sweet that my thirst is slaked forever Lent calls to me again . . .A step is all I can manage, Lord            A hand extended            A head bowed            A conscious placing of myself on your Potter’s wheel Lent calls to me again . . .Help me with the hard part, Lord            Help me surrender            Help me abandon myself to you            Help me reconcile myself to you Lent calls to me again . . .            Here I am, Lord                                                                                          Elizabeth Herbert Cottrell                                                                                     Heartspoken.com                                                                                     © 2003  “LENT CALLS” by Elizabeth H. Cottrell, illustrated by Lynne CrumpackerPin this: