|”Traditioning” and Passing it on

“Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.” – Jeremiah 6:16

One of the greatest joys and privileges I am experiencing this Lent is the opportunity to dig deeper into God’s Word. It is true that meditating on a passage—whether for personal reflection or for teaching—yields profound insights. I am blessed before I can bless others.

I am also grateful for a sister (not from MPCC) who has been helping me write some of the daily devotionals. Additionally, another dedicated team has joyfully taken on the task of voicing them. The audio option allows us to incorporate music and songs, as well as intentional pauses and silence for reflection. The best way to engage is to both read and listen at the same time.

This has been a labor-intensive effort. With so many daily devotional options available, why embark on this? Here’s our motivation:

We have long desired to help Christians—especially Anglicans—make better use of the Daily Office (Morning and Evening Prayers) in their personal prayer and devotional lives. The prayers and traditions of the Church hold rich treasures, yet many Anglicans today engage with them only partially and occasionally. Unless one has been raised with the habit of centering their worship around the church calendar and liturgical traditions, it can be challenging to appreciate and use them meaningfully.

It has often been said that many Anglicans here are "Sunday Anglicans"—with little weekday engagement beyond Bible reading. Even in our Sunday services, our liturgical tradition often competes for attention within the limited time available.

However, it is a mistaken view to see tradition as merely ancient or a relic of the past. While its historical depth is a strength, the wineskin is continually renewed, speaking afresh to each generation. This "ancient and modern" approach to worship can be both rich and powerful in shaping our faith. After all, parts of Scripture are far older than the Church itself. The key is to wisely use what is ancient to guide our lives today.

By consistently engaging with these traditions, we are also ensuring their continuity for future generations. Preserving and passing them on is a responsibility we must faithfully uphold, as these sacred traditions traverse into the future under our care.

Using these daily devotionals is a simple yet meaningful way to engage with our tradition. You will encounter the prayers and collects of the Church, some of which date back centuries. You will also become more aware of special feasts and commemorations that honor those who have contributed to the life of the Church.

There may be days when a particular devotion does not resonate with you. But by "showing up" daily, rain or shine—whether the experience feels enriching or empty—you will be cultivating a lifestyle of spiritual discipline (which, in itself, is tradition!). This habit will not only deepen your own faith but also strengthen the community of the faithful.

* Lent Daily Devotion on PrayDOS Website & App, in text and audio, may be accessed at praydos.web.app, or download the app from the App Store (Apple) or Google Store.