Sojourn: A Lenten Liturgy
The period of Lent comprises the forty days (plus six Sundays) leading up to Easter, beginning with Ash Wednesday. Historically, Lent has a time for repentance, fasting and alms giving. Many traditions emphasizing the symbolism of Lent have also appeared throughout the centuries, from the ancient practice of the placement of ashes upon the forehead on Ash Wednesday, to the worldwide custom of eating fish on Fridays during lent instead of meat (the origin of this custom is not clear, but ranges from benign religious practice referencing the many Jesus and Fish stories, to economically motivated papal decree to stimulate a bad Italian fishing market) to the newer solemn experience of pounding a nail into the cross at the ned of a Good Friday service.
Like most traditions the meaningfulness of such practices are dependent on the devotion and intention of the practitioner. Certainly they are not called for or required in scripture. However, they do have value in teaching, in reminding, in returning, and in setting apart.
For Sojourn, some of these practices I have built in to the daily liturgy, as well as adding a new one, the Presentation of Nails, which was partially inspired by my older son’s love of lighting the advent candle. I wanted another physical reminder and picture of the purpose of lent. And so during the confession song, participants can place a single nail into a common jar. During the song, the cross on the forehead is also referenced, and this can either be a renewal of the ashes on the forehead, or more simply, making the sign of the cross.
The readings for this liturgy consist mainly of Old Testament stories, working from the Fall to the Israelites in the Wilderness, which are bookended by the first of the two significant “40” periods found in Scripture – the flood and the Israelites in the wilderness. These severe as a brief glimpse into the spiritual heritage that Christ came to fulfill. We begin the season of Lent with Christ’s own “40” day journey in the wilderness. This culminates in readings from the Gospels for Holy Week, rotating through the Gospels each year.
May you have a holy time of Lent, and come to Easter refreshed and renewed.
Forty Days – a gathering song
Sojourn – a confessional song
Dust – a benediction song