Lenten Practices
“O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen. ” ~ Henri Nouwen
At the time of writing this, we are about halfway through the Lenten season. As a refresher Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten, meaning “lengthen” and refers to the lengthening days of spring. The forty days represent the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry.
For many of us when we think of Lent we think of giving up chocolate, or soda, or maybe going to the gym, or any number of things. In truth, we often treat Lent like a New Year Resolution and we often know how those turn out! But Lent is not a time to refresh our resolutions! At its heart, Lent is a journey of transformation as we focus on our relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and repentance.
So, if you’ve tried to give up chocolate or workout every day during Lent and haven’t been able to keep up with it — don’t be discouraged and instead spend time reflecting on what your spirit might be needing at this moment as you seek to grow closer to God!
If you are in need of some suggestions here are three simple practices that you can take part in during the remainder of this Lenten season:
Each night write a list of things that you are thankful for.
Take a 24-48 hour break from Social Media.
Go for a walk and wonder at the beauty of God’s creation.
Whatever practice you choose I pray that during this time you can feel yourself growing in a deeper relationship with the God who calls you “Beloved” and perhaps you might even develop a new spiritual practice!
Be Blessed and Love Like Jesus!
Pastor Jenny