Rev. Neal Kuhlhorst

How many times in your life have you used the phrase "I can't wait for....?" When I begin to reflect on my use of the phrase my mind floods with seminal events. I can't wait to see if I made the team. I can't wait to graduate. I can't wait to get married. I can't wait to be a father. I can't wait for my kids to be old enough to play games with me. I can't wait to see where they choose to go to college. I can't wait to get out from under their college expenses. That's just a quick sampling that came to my mind.  I can't wait...

One phrase that I don't hear is "I can't wait until Lent!" For most of us, growing up with Lent meant deciding whether you would give up decadent chocolate for Lent. Unlike Christmas when most of us say, "I can't wait for Christmas" because we are looking forward to getting presents, Lent meant giving up; a kind of cruel Lenten diet after the over indulgence of the Christmas feast. No wonder you won't hear many proclaim, "I can't wait for Lent!"

But wait! The Lenten season is upon us and this week we have two major Lenten observances that help bring meaning into the preparation Lent call us to make in order to be ready for Easter. Ash Wednesday is in two days and I hope you will be attending the Ash Wednesday service. The scripture lesson from which I will be preaching is Psalm 27. The end of the Psalm says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. The phrase "I can't wait for" is based in anticipation and hope. Join me to hear more about the hope that waits for the Lord.

Our prayer vigil is Friday and Saturday. Begin Lent with the ashes of Wednesday and the prayers of the weekend. I can't wait to worship with you!

Prayer for Today

Help us to wait on you, O Lord so with strength of heart we will place our faith in you. As we seek your face, helps us to sense your presence in this day. Amen.