Did you have pancakes on Jif Lemon Day?  Has anyone asked you what you’re giving up for Lent?  Well, I’m betting that no one wished you a happy Shrove Tuesday or enquired about your Lenten Observance. 

I am sometimes struck by the different language we have in our faith compared to out there in the secular world, and I feel that it can be unhelpful.  A barrier even. 

I was so struck by the wonderful baptisms last month, welcoming nine people into the faith.  But in the run up I found I regularly had to explain to friends and family that ‘baptism’ is the same as ‘christening’ and that the effect was the same whether a person was ‘fully dunked’ or ‘just sprinkled’.

Whatever language or words we use, it’s good to know that God is close, he sees into our hearts and understands us when we talk to him.  The trick is to actually talk to him!  Most often this is during specific prayer times, but I do sometimes catch myself having a conversation with God while doing the washing up…

This Lent you may have joined the Churches Together Lent Course, exploring what a beautiful friendship it is that we have with God.  And as friends we don’t need to focus on formal language but can speak to each other comfortably.  God loves us so much and wants to hear our voice.  ‘…show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.’  (Song of Songs 2.14)

As we continue our Lent journey, I pray that we may become more comfortable in our conversations with God and seek to draw closer to Him.

Every blessing

Georgina