"Lent is not intended to be an annual ordeal during which we begrudgingly forgo a handful of pleasures," writes Dorothy Sayers. "It is meant to be the church's springtime, a time when, out of the darkness of sin's winter, a repentant, empowered people emerges.”

One of the most important ways this can happen is by using this season to build new patterns of living: habits and rhythms that more deeply connect us to Jesus, the source of our life and joy. This week, we invite you to give special attention to the practice of prayer. But instead of an essay, let's listen to some stories. Four members of our community share what prayer looks like in their own lives, and what motivates them to carve out space when so many other things clamor for their attention.