From Preparation to Passion Devotional and Reflective Meditations Celebrating the Lenten Season Based On the Lectionary and Celebrated African-American Sacred Songs and Hymnody There are many devotional books written to help communities of faith and individuals to observe the season of Lent in a devout manner. Here within is another resource that is intended to allow you to truly engage yourself in the preparation and propel you into a Holy passion for Christ by the time you reach Easter. This push to a deeper passion may be enhanced through the connection of the celebrated African-American sacred songs and church hymns. From Preparation to Passion will be a resource you will want to use in subsequent years, as it offers insights through the meditative readings on the message that the music and the Word of God brings! From Preparation to Passion includes meditations highlighting sacred songs such as: "My Tribute," "God Is," "O Didn't It Rain," "I love Thy Kingdom Lord," and more! Excerpt: Jesus' avowal that the church is a "House of Prayer" rather than a den of thieves still applies. As present day pilgrims, prayer should stand as the "sweet communion" that draws us into a deeper love for the church and "her heavenly ways." Eleanor Cooper Brown is member of the United Methodist Church living in Metro Atlanta; she has extensive Music Ministry experience having served in several denominations including the UM, A.M.E. and C.M.E. churches, as pianist, organist, and church choir and music director. She has facilitated choir workshops, spiritual retreats, Bible studies, and worship planning with her local church. Eleanor currently serves as a volunteer member of the Lay Revitalization Ministry for the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. She deeply loves the beauty sacred music brings to the heart of worship.