Klampert posted his "Ash Wednesday" set-list yesterday, and I realized that we "Vineyard folks" don't generally observe this day in our liturgy. After reading the rest of his post, I wish we would. Klampert posted a message from his Bishop (Charismatic Episcopal) that really speaks into what Ash Wednesday and Lent are all about.
Bishop Craig Bates writes:
Read the rest at Klampert's web log......
Bishop Craig Bates writes:
The Church calls us on Ash Wednesday to a holy season of prayer and fasting. This prayer and fasting is an ancient tradition of the church. This season will, in light of the love of Christ Jesus, enable us to make a serious self-examination and confess, with the intent of amendment of life, our sins. It is a time to seek the sacrament of reconciliation (confession) for self-examination must always be done with the knowledge of the assurance of forgiveness. This is not a time of accusation and condemnation but a time when we can lament our sins knowing we are loved and forgiven. For as John reminds us, “If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is no in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all un-righteousness. (I John 1.8-9) James tells us, “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5.16)
Read the rest at Klampert's web log......
Labels: Christian Life
2 Comments:
For the second year, I have decided to observe lent. I am not Catholic, but I am married to one. I find that lent does make me a LOT more thoughtful about the lord's sacrifice and the way I lead my life. This season has become a very involved and meaningful season for me. It seemed like a funny idea for me to give up something that I like, but missing things that I like really makes me think. It helps me to see more clearly when I am not just going through the normal motions of everyday life. Any sort of interruption to my normal life makes me more introspective, I guess. The day of fasting is definitely an eye-opener for me.
I am not sure if this is what you meant by observing lent, but it is the only way that I know of. I also unfortunately did not read the blog you mentioned, I probably should have before posting...
I love the ash wednesday service... and that is really a great article..
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