Lenten Disciplines

Scripture tells us that Jesus spent some time in the wilderness before beginning his ministry. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and prayed and listened for what God had to say. The season of Lent is the time in the church calendar where we, too, seek ways to make time and create space for God to speak to us. Sometimes we create disciplines that are supposed to give us time to spend with God: more time for prayer, more time for service to others, more time for study, and more time for listening for God’s still, small voice.

Another option for a Lenten discipline is to make different choices in how we live for these six weeks. We ask ourselves some hard questions:

Does what I say and do make the world a better place?

Or not?

Does how we live make God happy?

Or sad?

Is there anything I need to change about how I live?

Maybe we go through our possessions and give to charities items of which others might have need. There is a movement called “40 Bags in 40 Days” urging people to go through their home and to give to charities a bag a day…it doesn’t matter what size bag. You could give a bag of food to Operation Food Basket, a bag of clothes to the Clothing Room or Goodwill, a bag of dog/cat food to PAWS, etc. Be creative, the possibilities are probably endless.

Sometimes people seek ways to simplify their lives during Lent. Perhaps eat a plain meal like soup and bread. You could give away the money you would normally spend on a meal to a local charity. Perhaps you could forego special treats for 40 days and donate that money to a charity. The idea is to make do with less so you can give more to someone else.

When the crowds would gather around Jesus, sometimes his disciples would try to shoo them away. Some people did not like the kinds of friends with whom Jesus chose to spend time. Jesus was always showing people how to make their circle bigger. He wanted to include everyone in God’s great family. Maybe your Lenten discipline will include finding ways to invite people you don’t normally spend time with, to have a meal with you. Or even sitting with someone in church with whom you wouldn’t normally sit. Some people choose to practice what they call Add-Lent, where they add something to their daily routine. Sending out cards, letters or notes letting people know you love them or are praying for them would be a good way to practice Add-Lent.

These are just a few ideas of ways you can make room for God during this Lenten season. I’m sure you can up with many more if you think on it. My Lenten discipline will include extra prayers for each of you this Lenten season. I’d love to hear what each of you are doing.

Blessings,
Tracy