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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We took a slightly different approach to this year’s
book of Lenten devotions. Instead of assigning a Bible passage to
each writer, we turned the tables and asked each writer to select
a favorite hymn that would serve as the basis of meditation.
Writers were generally enthusiastic about the assignment and, as
you will see, their devotions are highly personal testaments of
faith.
I was a little hesitant to adopt this
choose-your-own-hymn approach. I didn’t have a clue which hymns
people would choose, and I wondered whether devotions based on
favorite hymns might not end up being too lighthearted. Lent is a
serious time, a time when we ponder the meaning of sin,
repentance, forgiveness and salvation.
I wondered: What if our writers get too happy, humming
along with their favorite hymns? Could joyful, praiseful writers
distract us from the meaning and purpose of Lent? I worried that
our “Daily Devotions for Lent” might become “Daily Devotions for
Lent Lite.”
Well, I shouldn’t have been so reluctant to try a new
thing. What you will read in these pages is not “Lent Lite,” but
heartfelt messages from your brothers and sisters in Christ,
fellow travelers on the path to discipleship. They chose all
different kinds of hymns, reflecting all the different seasons of
life.
I hope these words and the melodies of your hearts
will inspire you this Lenten season and bring you closer to your
Lord.
Thanks and more thanks to all the writers for their
thoughtful messages and to all members of the devotional ministry
team for lending their time and expertise to this project.
Dallas Cronk, coordinator
MINISTRY TEAM
Copy editor Marcia Werts
Cover designer Lori East
Copyright consultant Marlene Hallstrom
Proofreaders Marlene Hallstrom,
Sheryl Johnson, Dorothea Rindt
Production manager Debbie Stephens
Webmaster Mark Yeskie
Pastoral support Pr. Kristin
Neitzel
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