Lent is still a relatively new practice for me. I grew up in a church that did not observe it, and for a long time, I thought of it as something that belonged to Roman Catholics. The same was true of Advent. But over time, I came to realise that these seasons are not tied to one tradition alone – they are gifts to the whole Church. Now, I observe them with gratitude, recognising how they help shape our faith and draw us closer to Christ.
We are now in the midst of Lent – the 40-day season of spiritual preparation leading up to Easter. Just as Advent prepares us for Christmas, Lent prepares our hearts to journey with Christ toward the cross and resurrection. Traditionally, this season is marked by prayer, fasting, self-denial, and generosity. Among these, prayer stands at the heart of Lent, reminding us of our deep dependence on God.
Our passage today, Hebrews 10:19-22, calls us to be a praying people – not out of fear or obligation, but because of what Christ has done. Through his sacrifice, we now have bold access to God’s presence. We have a great High Priest in Jesus, who intercedes for us. And we have an invitation to draw near with sincere hearts, full of faith.
As we journey through Lent, let us renew our personal and communal commitment to prayer. May we set aside time each day to seek the Lord, not only in times of need but as a way of deepening our relationship with Him. Let us also pray together as a church, lifting up one another and our world before the throne of grace.
May we not only believe in prayer but truly live as a praying people – confident in Christ’s saving work, steadfast in faith, and eager to draw near to God, who always hears us. Amen.
A sermon preached at the Wednesday service at St Christopher’s Anglican Church on 12 March 2025.
