Often considered a journey, the season of Lent is a time of preparation for Holy Week when we revisit once again the passion of Christ. We’ve been down that road many years already, but once more we’re invited to a 40 day journey with the destination of the cross and the open tomb before us. It’ important that we travel in community, so we don’t miss the signposts along the way that keep pointing us to Christ and his suffering, death and resurrection in all of our behalf.

Like we do when we prepare for a journey, a bag needs to be prepared and packed. What should we consider bringing along for the journey of Lent? Many options abound, but a few are most worthy of our consideration: self-examination and repentance; prayer and fasting; reading and meditating on God’s Word.

We open ourselves to godly self-examination and repent of that which stands in the way of our attentiveness and obedience. We pray and fast so that our hearts remain in alignment with the voice of God and the incredible sacrifice offered in our behalf. We read and meditate on the Holy Bible as the map and compass for the days ahead…all the details right there at our fingertips.

So, how will you pack for Lent 2011? This Wednesday we step forward into this significant season for Christians worldwide so it’s best to begin planning today. None of us want to miss the poignancy of the journey yet before us. Pack up and join hands as brothers and sisters – let’s walk together into this faith-enriching time of year.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” Psalm 51: 10.