Lenten Devotions

There are many devotions around for Lent. Some of them are good or useful. Yet, I never quite understand the fascination with some of the exotic options that abound. Those who follow the church calendar and a lectionary, and who say traditional Christian prayers do not really need to go searching for novel approaches. There are already various possibilities available.

One can do a full or abbreviated Morning and Evening Prayer. And those who do not have the time or understand all the rubrics for the standard offices could read a Psalm and/or New Testament lesson from the daily lectionary and use traditional prayers in the morning, at noon, or in the evening. The traditional collects for Ash Wednesday or other days in Lent could also be used appropriately on any day in Lent. Finally, the Great Litany makes an excellent corporate or personal devotion during Lent.

So personally, I don't need a new book of contemporary Lenten meditations, especially those that ignore the Christian liturgical and devotional heritage. The Prayer Book is rich and scriptural, and it is adaptable, especially in personal devotions. So even if you use some other devotions to stimulate your thoughts, I urge reference to a traditional Prayer Book for the basics.