March 1 will be Ash Wednesday, the beginning of our Lenten Journey.  The Ash Wednesday Service will include a Service of Imposition of Ashes and a Service of Word and Sacrament.  Many people found this service very meaningful last year, and I hope it will be meaningful once again.  Assisting me in this worship service will be the members of the Confirmation Class of 2006.

During the month of March there will be an emphasis on prayer during Church School,    Children's Moments and with our Prayer Partners.  More about our Prayer Partners will come from our Director of Christian Education, Abby Reichard.

I want to spend the remainder of my Pastor's Corner on the principal kinds of prayer as we begin the Lenten Season.  There are seven principal kinds of prayer: adoration, praise, thanksgiving, penitence, oblation, intercession, and petition.

Adoration is the lifting up of the heart and mind to God, asking nothing but to enjoy God's presence.

Praise is not to obtain anything in prayer, but because of God's Being, praise is drawn from us.

Thanksgiving is offered to God for all the blessings in this life, for our redemption, and for whatever draws us closer to God.

Penitence is when we confess our sins and make restitution where possible, with the intention to amend our lives.

Oblation is an offering of ourselves, our lives and labors, in union with Christ, for the purposes of God.

Intercession is when we bring the needs of others before God.

Petition is when we present our own needs, that God's will may be done.

As you can see, there is not just one way to pray.  However, you may feel more comfortable in one or two particular kinds of prayer.  You may want to try one of the kinds of prayer you've never done before or at least not that often. 

Lent is a time when we come together and reevaluate our spirituality as individuals and as a congregation.  Please pray that God's Holy Spirit would guide us to new depths and heights in our spiritual journeys.

Your partner in ministry,

Bill

The Rev. Dr. William R. Nirote