This free Lenten study guide is a gift from The Upper Room. The study is for small groups or individuals to use during the days of Lent, in preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 25, 2009 and continues for six weeks. Feel free to reproduce the sessions of the study guide for personal or small-group use.

The Lenten season takes us on a journey within ourselves and a journey toward the way of Christ. This season is a time for self-examination, self-scrutiny, self-sacrifice, and change. This is a season when we reflect and meditate on the last days of Jesus prior to his passion, suffering, death, and victorious resurrection. Looking into ourselves, examining our human failings and misgivings, we may come to an act of repentance, a turning around. The Greek word for repentance is metanoia, which is an act of turning away from sin and turning to God from a contrite, penitent soul. This possibility for turning, for transformation, is the call of Lent.

Knowing who God is and who we are in light of God's purpose for human beings, we come to realize that we have not lived up to God's expectations. We have not followed faithfully the call of Christ for boldly living the faith.

In our Lenten journey this year, we will reflect, study, and face the bold challenges of a lived faith. What does our faith in the living Christ demand from us? What does Christ expect from us, his followers?