Looking Ahead to Lent

It’s that time of year again – time to gear up for another Lent! Ready or not, the invitation to “fast, pray, and give alms” begins a week from today on Ash Wednesday. For those unfamiliar with this holy season, Lent is a time of spiritual preparation and special practices leading up to Holy Week and Easter. When I was a child, the emphasis in Lent was always on sacrifice and giving something up. As I grew older the emphasis shifted to doing something extra as a way of practicing one’s faith. Ultimately, there is no one right way to observe Lent, as each person is in a different place in their spiritual journey.

For me a guiding question in considering my own Lenten practice is: How will this help me to pay attention to God’s presence in my life and to heed more deeply the guidance of the Spirit?

Prayer resources abound during Lent, both online and in a variety of books, brochures, and selective worship opportunities. For some of us, taking advantage of even one of these offerings may be deeply gratifying. For others, designating 15 minutes to complete silence each day may nourish our souls more than any words or activities.

If giving up sweets or caffeine or alcohol just makes me irritable for 40 days, then such fasting probably won’t be very useful. However, I may choose to forego a favorite food or drink as a way of feeling connected to those who go without basic necessities. Such small sacrifice enables me to draw closer to Christ who comes to me through those whose sufferings are far more difficult than my own.

If adding another volunteer activity just stretches and stresses me even more than I already am, additional service will be counterproductive. In fact, sometimes letting go of an activity in order to be more faithful and focused to what is already on our plate can be very rewarding. However, if we have been feeling called to reach out in response to a specific need, Lent may be a perfect time to explore that opportunity as a possible way of discipleship and charitable work.

Once we discern our own Lenten practice it is often helpful to share our intentions with a trusted other in order to have an accountability partner along the way who can offer encouragement and support, especially if we fall off the Lenten wagon along the way! For me, confessing aloud to an over-dependence on social media and committing to a “Facebook Fast” has been helpful as I prepare for the coming season. When I share this desire aloud to another, I am far more likely to commit myself to the resolution. Others may be watching!

In the coming week may each of us prayerfully consider the way in which we are called to be intentional in our Lenten journey. Perhaps this link might be a helpful resource as you ponder your own path leading up to Easter: http://rachelheldevans.com/blog/40-ideas-lent-2013. May we keep each other in prayer and recognize that as a community of faith, we are all in this together and we do not travel this season alone.

Peace to all. Anne.