"Blessed Whose Sins are Forgiven"

Psalm 32:1 NIV

Lent, a period of forty days leading up to Easter Sunday, is a time for prayer, fasting, introspection, and self-examination. This season, which mirrors the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness, reminds us of our mortality and the brevity of our earthly life.

Through the discipline and practice of Lent, one cannot only experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit but also seize the opportunity for significant spiritual growth, deepening their faith walk and Spiritual connection to God.

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered!” Psalms 32:1, penned by King David, is a jubilant expression of the profound liberation that comes from acknowledging our sins and seeking God's forgiveness. As we journey through this Lenten season, we can find Almighty God a hiding place and a shelter in the time of a storm. God's grace is freely given and blesses those who come before Him with sincerity and a repentant heart without deceit.

We have forty days to open ourselves to the God of creation who loves all of humanity. During Lent, we give up something so we might share in the suffering of Jesus before Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Prayer: "Lead me, guide me, oh Lord, I pray, for if you lead me, I cannot stray. Lord, let me walk each day with thee. Lead me, oh Lord, lead me". AMEN

The Rev. Phyllis A. Caldwell, Pastor - Mission AME Church, Morganton