There are many ways for a congregation to mark the journey of
Lent. One of the most effective ways that can be expanded in
many variations is to use a rough wooden cross as a focal point
for the season. The type of cross and how it is constructed will
depend on exactly how it will be used.
The cross is usually erected in the Sanctuary on Ash Wednesday
as a visible symbol of the beginning of Lent. It is usually
draped in black on Good Friday. The same cross can also become a
part of the congregation's Easter celebration as it is then
draped in white or gold, or covered with flowers.
One
effective way to make use of the cross is to use it as a Prayer Cross
during Lent. A hammer, square nails, and small pieces of paper are made
available near the cross. At a designated time of prayer during the
Sundays in Lent, people are invited to write their prayer requests on
the paper, and then nail them to the cross.
The quiet time of prayer with only the sounds of the hammer striking the
nails can be a moving time for reflection on the meaning of Lent, and a
powerful call to prayer. The prayer requests can be removed and burned
as part of a Tenebrae or Stations of the Cross service during Holy Week
to symbolize releasing the needs to God.
