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Sibling in Christ,
Are you wrestling with God?
The Second Sunday in Lent has long carried the name Reminiscere—a Latin word meaning “Remember.” And that single word captures the heart of this week’s invitation to faith. Lent is not only a season of reflection or self-denial; it is a season that teaches us how to pray honestly before God.
If the First Sunday in Lent shows us the shape of the Lenten journey, the Second Sunday begins to reveal how that journey is lived. The Scriptures place before us people who refuse to let go of God—even when faith feels like a struggle. Jacob wrestles through the night, clinging to God for a blessing. The Canaanite woman cries out persistently to Jesus, trusting his mercy even when answers seem delayed. Both stories remind us that faithful prayer is not always calm or polished. Sometimes prayer looks like holding on when everything in us wants to give up.
The ancient entrance prayer for this Sunday gives voice to that longing: “Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love.” Notice what we ask God to remember—not our accomplishments or worthiness, but God’s own mercy. In prayer, we appeal to God’s promises, trusting that the One who has been faithful before will remain faithful still.
Throughout Lent, the Church encourages three practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These disciplines are deeply connected. Fasting loosens our grip on what distracts us. Giving turns our attention toward our neighbors. Prayer anchors both practices in relationship with God.
Together, they help reshape our hearts so that our lives reflect Christ’s love in the world.
Reminiscere reminds us that prayer is not about saying the right words or achieving spiritual perfection. Prayer is about turning toward the living God—the One who hears, remembers, and saves. It is permission to bring before God our fears, doubts, griefs, and hopes, trusting that even our struggles can become encounters with grace.
Christians have walked this Lenten path for centuries, setting aside forty days to prepare their hearts for Easter. Yet the purpose has never been merely historical tradition. Lent teaches us again and again that faith grows not through certainty alone, but through persistence—through returning to God in prayer, especially when life feels uncertain.
So if this season finds you wrestling—with questions, burdens, or unanswered prayers—you are not outside of faith. You may be standing right at its center. For often the deepest blessing comes not after the struggle, but within it, as God meets us and refuses to let us go.
God is with you,
Pastor Will
P.S. Where in your life right now might God be inviting you to keep praying—and not let go?
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