Hi First Presbyterian Church,

Did you know that early Christians made a habit of facing east when they prayed? Clement of Alexandria (a theologian from the second century AD) once wrote, “And since the dawn… is the image of the day of birth…, in correspondence with the manner of the sun’s rising, prayers are made toward the sunrise in the east.” Likewise, Origen (a theologian from the third century AD) said, “It should be immediately clear that the direction of the rising sun obviously indicates that we ought to pray inclining in that direction, an act which symbolizes the soul looking towards where the true light arises.”

While it is still Lent, perhaps you can add this practice to your spiritual disciplines. Are you an early riser? Then, I encourage you to grab your cup of coffee or tea, find a good spot that faces east, and start your day with prayer as you watch sun rise. Just as the light of the new day begins to shine on you, ask God to give you clarity, direction, hope, and warmth for a new day. May you feel God’s presence and grace this Lent.

Peace to you,
Pastor Aaron