Dear Sisters and Brothers,
This Lent, the Church of England invites us into a simple but life‑giving call:
Draw Near. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4.8)
At the heart of this year’s theme is a rhythm of life - habits and patterns that help us keep company with Jesus day by day. Not grand gestures, but small, steady practices that open our hearts to God’s presence.
We’re invited to explore six life‑giving habits of Christian discipleship:
Worship. Prayer. Scripture. Communion. Service. Sharing the Good News.
Each one offers us a way to draw near - to quieten what distracts us and allow God to meet us with grace.
Lent becomes a season not of heaviness, but of possibility. A moment to take small steps that lead to deep roots. Perhaps praying again, even briefly returning to scripture, choosing to serve someone, or returning to worship after time away.
God meets us in the everyday - in silence and in struggle - gently calling:
“Come close. Let me restore and renew you.”
These habits draw us closer not only to God, but to one another. When we worship, we share in communion with God and each other. When we serve, we reflect God’s love to each other. And when we share good news, we remind one another that hope is real and alive.
So, this Lent, I invite you to choose just one habit to lean into. Let it challenge you. Let it bring you joy. And trust that as you draw near to God, God is already drawing near to you - with love, strength, and fresh hope.
May this season help you discover a rhythm that gives life, a hope that steadies you, and a God who draws near to you every single day.
Every blessing on your Lenten journey.