We gather in the Spirit to begin our Lenten journey to Easter, longing for healing and hope. We are still in a new place, walking an unfamiliar path to the cross and new life. Yet, even as we may be starting in different places, from divergent experiences, we are journeying together, united by the Spirit.

 

Prepare your space and heart  for Lent. Create a home altar as a Lenten focus. It can be on a table, window sill or bookcase. Use a cross, icon or picture and candle (candles that light with batteries are perfectly fine! Add flowers or a plant; you can create an altar or prayer space on a side table with your Lenten prayer resources  with a chair nearby, or on the table where you eat.   

 

Ash Wednesday and Lenten Sundays set a place for the Lord’s Table, as  simple as a cloth laid with your choice of Bread and Wine (or grape juice). Add a candle or candles, even flowers.  If you have children in the home, they can -should!- help with creating your home church. They can set the table, draw pictures of Jesus, people they will pray for. They can make flowers, offer one another a simple blessing, making the sign of the Cross on a parents’ or siblings’ forehead. If you haven’t done a home blessing it can be part of beginning Lent – your home is a sacred space!
 

Prayer to bless a home prayer altar:
God, our refuge and hope: Thank you for my/our home and these walls that shelter me/us. Bless this place I/we have set to remind us that you are present. May it call me/us to prayer, help me/us to follow and love you day by day. In the Name of the Father,+ Son and Holy Spirit. Amen!

 
Prayer to bless the Lord’s Table at home:

Creating God, I/ we are gathered with my/our brothers and sisters across time and place, preparing to hear your Word and receive the gift of Your Body and Blood. Be present to bless, consecrate this place and time, and nourish us to live in hope. Amen!