I have been thinking a lot about Lent lately. I know we are still about a month and a half away from it, but this will be my first experience preaching for all the midweek Lenten services, so I’ve been thinking about it.
For the 40 days of Lent, people come up with a lot of ideas, some good, some wanting, of ways to reinvigorate faith. It is common practice for Catholics to give something up for Lent; Evangelical churches have used the popular “40 Days of Purpose” study.
As Lutherans, both of these ideas (although I think “fads” would fit better) have been put to practice. Sometimes they are effective, but many times they are not.
I am not immune to this idea of using somewhat faddish ideas for Lent, but I think I have put a uniquely Lutheran spin on it.
With my supervising Pastor’s approval, I will be preaching on the 6 Chief Parts of the Small Catechism. To go along with that, we will be encouraging our congregation to read just one of the 6 Chief Parts a day, Monday through Saturday, every week during Lent.
By the time Lent is over, people who participate will have read the Catechism 6 times! I’m excited about this idea! I pray that the parishioners will be excited too. What better way to recognize Lent then to reaffirm the basic Christian doctrines of the Small Catechism?
I’ll post as time goes by about the progress of this little scheme.
