40 ideas for lent
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40 Ideas for Lent (2012) 91 Comments
Believe it or not, Lent begins next week!
As has become a tradition here on the blog, I’ve compiled a list of 40
ideas that I hope will help you make the most of this season of
reflection, penitence, and preparation. Some ideas are repeated from
last year, others are updated, and others are brand new. Please feel free
to add your own ideas and plans to the comment section.
10 Questions to Ask Yourself:
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1. When I wake up on Resurrection Sunday morning, how will I be
different? 2. Is there a habit or sin in my life that repeatedly gets in
the way of loving God with my whole heart or loving my neighbor as
myself? How do I address that habit over the next 40 days?3. Is thereanyone in my life from whom I need to ask forgiveness or pursue
reconciliation? 4. What practical steps can I take to carve out time for
daily contemplation? 5. What spiritual discipline do I need to improve
upon or want to try? 6. What are some things in my life that I tell
myself I need but I don’t? Can I give one or two of them up for 40
days? 7. Why am I giving this particular thing up? How does giving it
up draw me closer to God and prepare me for Easter? 8. What am I
going to tell myself when self-denial gets hard? 9. Is it
necessary/helpful for me to share the nature my fast with others or
should I keep it private?10. What do the ashes mean to me this year?
What does baptism mean to me this year?
10 Book Recommendations:
1. A Place at the Table: 40 Days of Solidarity with the Poor by Chris
Seay 2. 40 Days of Living the Jesus Creed by Scot
McKnight 3. Lectio Divina Bible Study: Learning to Pray in Scripture by
Stephen J. Binz4. Eastertide: Prayers for Lent Through Easter by
Phyllis Tickle (link fixed)5. One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp 6.
A Book of Hours by Thomas Merton 7. Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter (Orbis Books)8. The "30 Days With a Great Spiritual
Teachers" Series (I've used, and enjoyed, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of
Avila, and Therese of Lisieux)9. Renovation of the Heart: Putting on
the Character of Christ by Dallas Willard10. Wondrous Encounters:
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Scripture for Lent by Richard Rohr
10 Disciplines, Fasts, and Rituals:
1. Pray the offices for 40 days. The Daily Office, (or the Divine Hours),
consists of four times of prayer each day: morning prayers
(Matins/Laudes), midday prayers (Sext), evening prayers (Vespers),
nighttime prayers (Compline). I love praying the hours, and for Lent this
year, I’d like to try to get into a more consistent schedule, at least
sticking to morning and evening prayers, no matter what. If it’s your
first time praying the hours, I recommend using Phyllis Tickle’s The
Divine Hours. If you’re looking to add something new to your prayer
schedule, I recommend A Book of Hours by Thomas or Common Prayer:
A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals by Shane Claiborne, Jonathan Wilson-
Hartgrove, and Enuma Okoro.
2. Institute a Way of Light wreath or an Easter Tree (via Ann
Voskamp)
3. Eat and drink like the poor for 40 days. Then donate the money
you save on groceries to a charity or project that serves the poor in
concrete ways. This is the challenge offered by Chris Seay in his new
book, A Place at the Table . Chris is teaming up with Compassion
International and Living Water for this project, and you can learn moreon his Web site.
4. Take the 40 Days of Water challenge from Blood: Water Mission to
help bring clean water to Uganda. Give up all beverages except for
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water for the 40 days of Lent 2012 and donate the money you save to
Blood: Water Mission. They have a great Web site through which you
can track your progress and learn more.
5. Traditionally, Christians abstained from eating meat during Lent, so
consider joining millions of Christians around the world in this fast. It’s a
great way to feel connected to the historical, worldwide church.
6. Spend a weekend at a monastery. It sounds crazy, but I spent three
days at St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama as part of my ―biblical
womanhood‖ project last year, and it was one of the most meaningfultimes of prayer and contemplation I’ve ever experienced. There are
dozens of Benedictine and Trappist monasteries around the country
that open their doors to overnight guests, usually at very inexpensive
rates. Just be sure to contact the monastery ahead of time to inquire
about their guest services. (And remember to be respectful of the
silence and prayer schedule while you are there. Many monks eat in
their meals in silence...so don’t go expecting to chat it up during
lunchtime!)
7. Commit to memorizing a significant portion of Scripture, like the
Sermon on the Mount, or Isaiah 58, or (one of my favorites) 1 John
4.
8. Unplug—
TV, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, etc. This is perhaps the
single best way to carve out some extra time in your day for prayer
and meditation.
9. Commit to 40 days of praying for your enemies. And I don’t mean
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ruminating over all they have done wrong and praying that they will
change, but praying that they will be blessed, that they will find health
and peace and grace, that they will come to know Jesus or experience
the love of Christ more fully. (Does anyone know of a good resourceson how to do this well? If so, please leave a note in the comment
section.)
10. Get outside! Commit to spending at least 20 minutes a day outside
– walking, meditating, taking pictures, journaling. The transition from
winter to springtime provides so many beautiful, tangible reminders of
the significance of hope and rebirth in the Christian faith.
10 Meditations:
1. Psalm 512. Psalm 1393. Isaiah 584. The Beatitudes (Matthew
5:3-12)5. The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) 6. Litany of
Penitence (You can find another version in the Book of Common Prayer
- I love this litany!)7. Litany of Humility 8. Prayer of St. Francis 9.
Penitential Prayer of St. Augustine 10. This one, from Thomas
Merton:
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.I do not see the road
ahead of me.I cannot know for certain where it will end.Nor do I
really know myself,
and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.But I believe that the
desire to please you does in fact please you.And I hope I have that
desire in all that I am doing.I hope that I will never do anything apart
from that desire.And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the
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right road,though I may know nothing about it.Therefore will I trust
you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of
death.I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never
leave me to face my perils alone .
Please add your own ideas and plans to the list! I always love reading
the comments after this one.
• Feb 17, 2012
• Topics: prayer
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Lindsey 5 days ago
In an effort to redefine beauty in my life, I am giving up make-
up for lent. I don't wear much, but what I do wear, I wear because
culture tells me I am not pretty without it. NO MORE! :-) So for 40
days, no make up...not a stitch, ever. I am also going to make sure I
don't compliment physical appearances. I want to find true beauty
through gifts, relationships and inherant value.
I am going to blog about my journey and I'm excited to see
what happens! I am sure my students will tell me I look really
tired. Haha.
Flag Danae Hudson and 12 more liked this Like Reply
Eleanorjane 5 days ago in reply to Lindsey
I did that last year as a way to focus on being the 'real me'
instead of a covered up, prettied up version. It was challenging but
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helpful.
(Personally, I wouldn't stop complimenting others 'cos I'm really
big on compliments and praise and I'm not anti-adornment but each to
their own). Flag 4 people liked this. Like Reply
Lindsey 5 days ago in reply to Eleanorjane
Definitely not going to stop complimenting others. Just going
to stop complimenting on new sweaters or great earrings. Don't think
they are bad either, just need a re-focus.Flag 2 people liked this. Like Reply
Rachel Held Evans 4 days ago in reply to Lindsey
I read an article once - can't remember where - about how we
tend to compliment based on appearances ("love your necklace!")
rather than character ("you're so great and making sure everyone feelsincluded!"). So I started paying attention to how I compliment
people...and was SHOCKED! Usually I was just trying to say something
nice, which is of course fine, but when I tried to be more deliberate
about complimenting character, the comments were clearly more
meaningful to people. Thanks for this reminder. I'm going to try and
start doing this again. Flag 12 people liked this. Like Reply
Tiffany Taylor 12 hours ago in reply to Rachel Held Evans
I read this quote somewhere once and it immediately became
one of my favorites.
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"Never compliment people on (or chide them for) things they
don't control.When I was a kid, people complimented me on being
smart. They meant well, but it was terrible for me. I couldn't control
how smart I was being; I could only control how smart I was appearing.
So I learned a bunch of tricks for seeming smart. Even worse, I didn't
learn to stick with things, and I avoided doing things I was bad at.
That's fine for looking smart, but terrible for actually being smart.
Now I'd no more compliment people for being pretty, smart, or
strong than I would for being tall. Instead I look for things that they're
actually doing, like putting together a cute outfit, figuring something
out, or sticking with their workout plan."
-William Pietri Flag 1 person liked this. Like Reply
pofalici 59 minutes ago in reply to Tiffany Taylor
As well don't be putting people down for things they can't
control. Like being intelligent, or thin, or pretty. God makes, intelligent,
thin and pretty people as well. It took me so long to get over being
made fun of for these things and on bad days, I find I sometimes
retreat from being me. And, I've seen many attractive girls who really
felt ugly because of the way they are treated. Flag Like Reply
Nicholas 4 days ago in reply to Rachel Held Evans
Was it in a corporate HR bulletin? ;0 Flag Like Reply
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wildgoose 5 days ago in reply to Lindsey
Hi Lindsey,
On a similar vein, a friend of mine once covered up all of her
mirrors - to put distance between herself and her preoccupation with
her appearance. I haven't tried it, but it seemed a worthy challenge,
as does yours!
Becky Flag 2 people liked this. Like Reply
Nicholas 4 days ago in reply to Lindsey
The makeup thing is a good idea, but the not complementing
physical appearances is not.
Beautiful physical appearances are worth complementing.
Spiritual beauty doesn't mean disembodied mind beauty.
Edit: read your clarification below. Flag pofalici liked
this Like Reply
pofalici 54 minutes ago in reply to Lindsey
Ha-ha. I am so pale, when I don't wear makeup, I am
constantly asked if I am sick. I have no visible eyebrows or lashes.Going without makeup has to be a brunette thing. (<
Flag Like Reply
Katrina Mathews 1 day ago in reply to Lindsey
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Lindsey, would love to follow this blog of no make-up.
I was pondering lenting mirrors.
Kat Flag Like Reply
Jim Fisher 4 days ago
Sacrificial love for my neighbor …
―I heard you are headed down to Florida for Spring Break. Would
you mind if I take care of your cats while you're gone?‖
―Is there anything I can pray for you? Surgery? March 8th? May I
drive you to the hospital and drive your boys up to their dad on Friday
and watch your dog while you recover? Of course it's no problem that
it's a 100 mile drive. I have nothing I would rather do.‖
―I heard you need to work late tonight. Would you mind if I took
your dogs out for a walk on my way home so they don't pee all over
the floor before you get back?‖
―Oh, dear friend. I've been there. Living paycheck to paycheck is
hard. May I stock your freezer with a month's worth of meals?‖
My prayer for the next 40 days is simple: ―Lord, I am willing to
spread your sacrificial love to those I love. Lead me. I will follow‖
… which caused me, for some unknown reason, to text a dear
friend, ―My prayers are with you. Not sure why, but I AM SURE, God
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loves you. And so do... show more Flag Lois Bartell and 7
more liked this Like Reply
Kimberly 4 days ago in reply to Jim Fisher
YOUR idea of lent and it's purpose is What it's all about!
Flag Like Reply
Sheila Bloedow 19 hours ago
One idea that you missed it 40 Days for Life. I'm participating.
I'll be praying outside an abortion clinic once a week as a peaceful
witness.
http://www.40daysforlife.com/a... Flag 1 person liked this.
Like Reply
Guest 2 days ago
Last year, we made a list of people we should visit/meet with
during Lent, one set of people per week. They were the sort of people
who you know you ought to visit, but who somehow end down the
priority list. It included my grandmother (very old and who doesn't
recognise me any more), some other elderly friends of my parents and
some friends going through a rough time. It proved really asurprisingly good preparation for Easter. Some visits turned out to be
good fun and even where it was more of a duty we felt glad we'd
made the effort. Flag 3 people liked this. Like Reply
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Rachel Held Evans 1 day ago in reply to Guest
Beautiful! Flag 1 person liked this. Like Reply
Alecia 23 hours ago
Last year I gave up the radio in my car, and instead spent that
time in prayer and meditation. Flag 1 person liked this. Like Reply
Charlotte 5 days ago
I've been thinking more and more about Lent this year. I'm
Pentecostal so we don't "officially" observe Lent, but lots of my friends
give up things like Facebook or chocolate. I think instead of giving up
something I'd like to add some type of spiritual practice, like
contemplation. I'm also considering going to an Ash Wednesday
service. There's a Catholic church down the street from my apartment,
I'm going to see if I can go to a service there. When I was in college,
some friends and I had an impromptu Ash Wednesday service on the
stage of the chapel and I really liked it. Flag pofalici and 6
more liked this Like Reply
Michellebriggs99 4 days ago in reply to Charlotte
Try to attend a Stations of the Cross service. Flag
3 people liked this. Like Reply
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Nicholas 4 days ago in reply to Charlotte
I spent many lents of my youth in contemplation.
They say you can go blind from that, though. Flag
1 person liked this. Like Reply
JBW 5 days ago
For the past few years, I have given up negative speech for
Lent. For me, this includes gossiping, complaining, and cussing. I'm not
a huge cuss-er, but I find myself muttering things under my breath or
when I'm driving that I'm not proud of and that don't glorify God. It is
always a challenge for me, especially when I realized how much gossip
was a part of my daily conversations with co-workers or how often I
complained. I also tried to replace my negative speech with positive
things: encouragement, affirmation, words of love, etc.
I'm still praying about and deciding what my goals for Lent are
this year. I know that it will involve more intentional prayer and
contemplation time. I'm so glad you gave these resources on praying
the Hours! Flag 7 people liked this. Like Reply
Ellen Di Giosia 1 day ago in reply to JBW
Last year, I did the same thing and found it was really helpful.
I'm going to do it again this year, but I'm not telling anyone except my
spiritual formation group. Last year I would sometimes say, "Well, I've
given up complaining for Lent, so I won't say anything," which is about
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as passive-aggressive as it gets. Not really in the spirit of things!
Flag 1 person liked this. Like Reply
Jjohn 5 days ago in reply to JBW
Excellent reminder for how we use our words. I will be mindful
of that through the 40 days. Blessings! Flag Like Reply
Rachel Held Evans 5 days ago in reply to JBW
That's a great idea. Flag Like Reply
RonLane 2 days ago
One of the things that I am going to do this year is make sure
to get the kids involved. So I am going to read from the Bible with
them and talk about it to help them have a better understanding. This
is something that I haven't done a good job of while they were
younger but I am committed to get better.
I will also be doing something for myself for Lent but it is
between God and I because I don't think that we should necessarily
announce everything, because it is a time for us to draw closer to God.
Flag 2 people liked this. Like Reply
Rachel Held Evans 1 day ago in reply to RonLane
Ann Voskamp always has good ideas for bringing children into
Lent. Here's a new one she put up today:
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http://www.aholyexperience.com... Flag Like Reply
kristen m stewart 5 days ago
Great ideas! I have a list on my blog of ideas for keeping lent
at home with particular attention to including children:
http://www.thisclassicallife.c... Flag Paula Snyder Belousek and
3 more liked this Like Reply
Mark Baker-Wright 5 days ago
I really need to push back against the "unplug" bit, as I feel
this has become a little TOO fashionable for people to suggest without,
in my opinion, serious enough consideration about just what is being
given up, and why. I say more about this in my own blog entry, Why
You Shouldn't Give Up Facebook for Lent.
I should be clear, it may well be that giving up Facebook (or any
other bit of social media) IS a good thing for you, personally, to do. But
far too many people seem to just be jumping on the bandwagon, there
are some really GOOD things that social media does that could get
lost, as well.
To borrow the cliche, "Don't throw the baby out with the
bathwater."Flag 4 people liked this. Like Reply
Rachel Held Evans 5 days ago in reply to Mark Baker-Wright
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See, I totally get the fasting from social media thing - mostly
because the nature of social media, (with its 24-hour accessibility, real-
time updates, reactionary nature, and echo chamber effect), can impede
contemplative life. I notice a huge difference in my state of mind when
I intentionally cut off internet time (at a certain time of day, or over the
weekend, or for a week). I've never fasted from it for Lent, but I
understand why a 40 day fast would make sense for a lot of people.
I thought Skye Jethani had some great thoughts on how social
media has affected our appreciation for silence. He wrote, "...In our
culture of digital voyeurism, we are tempted to believe things only
become real when they are external...on paper, published, posted,
tweeted, or displayed. All the more reason why we need to recapture
the discipline of secrecy in order to foster our trust that God is indeed
with us and witnessing every thought and reflection. In the privacy of
prayer I discover that my life really does matter--not because someone
read it, heard it, or saw it, but because God is my
witness." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...
Just some thoughts!
Flag Paula Snyder Belousek and 8 more liked this Like
Reply
Sandra ChristianHeretic 5 days ago in reply to Mark Baker-Wrig
I am stepping back from Facebook and Twitter for a.. third?...
year. It is not so much the giving up of social media, as if it were itself
a bad thing, as it is about turning inward for a season. Most, meaning
an overwhelming majority, of my spiritual community is online so I
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certainly would never want to cut myself off from that
community. What I do want, however, is to have a season or two a
year in which to turn my focus to the God Within rather than the God
in Community. I take the opportunity not to be distracted by the
doings of my community and sharpen my focus on the silence. I
continue to blog during Lent as a means of articulating some of the
inchoate wisdom I find in the silence. Flag 1 person liked this. Like
Reply
Mark Baker-Wright 5 days ago in reply to Sandra ChristianHeret
I like how you articulate the issue: "It is not so much the giving
up of social media, as if it were itself a bad thing, as it is about..."
I find that's true of so MANY things that Christians talk about
"giving up" for Lent. They make it sound like the thing being "stepped
back from" is, itself, a bad thing. As someone else I read elsewhere put
it, "if it's really not good for you, why only give it up for Lent, rather
than altogether?"
Blessings to you in your time of focus. Flag pofalici and 4 more liked this Like Reply
BrettG 5 days ago in reply to Mark Baker-Wright
Absolutely. The idea in all Christian fasting is that we give up
things that are good for that which is better. It's not that meat or food
or social media is bad: it's that we need the reminder that even these
good gifts from God do not give life. Life is a gift from God alone.
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Flag Tiffany Taylor and 8 more liked this Like Reply
Dcanales12 1 day ago
I have never practiced lent but of course know many people
who have. I never realized, or could tell, that people who practice lent
put a lot of thought into it. Never followed up with any of my friends
as to why they gave up certain things and if they made it to 40
days. After receiving this blog from a very dear friend and reading all
the comments I'm now very motivated to try this experience for a
closer walk with our Lord. Thank you all for your suggestions,
contributions and comments. God bless. Flag Tiffany
Taylor liked this Like Reply
dancingcrane 5 days ago
First thing, dont worry about setting up for failure! When you
fail, as you will, just try again. As Church, we must be big believers in
baby steps and second chance. As for forgiving enemies, just remember
the Publican. "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a
sinner" will remind you that your own failings are what God wants you
to open up to His healing first. St. Ephrem's prayer is the perfect
Lenten prayer: O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of
sloth, despondency, lust for power and idle talk.
But grant unto me, Thy servant, a spirit of chastity (integrity),
humility, patience and love.
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Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see mine own faults and not
to judge my brother. For blessed art Thou unto the ages. Amen.
Flag 3 people liked this. Like Reply
Danae Hudson 5 days ago
My church has lost a lot of funding for our food programs, so
we're going to eat as our clients at our food programs (community
lunch and food pantry eat) with either $35 for a week or a bag of
groceries and ask for people to sponsor us to raise money. I tried to
eat rice for dinner for 40 days last year because I had seen OxfamAmerica said that 50% of people in the world only eat rice...I will say
that I failed miserably. Flag Rachel Held Evans and 2
more liked this Like Reply
Stephanie Ivy 4 days ago
I'm giving up meat. I've been saying for a while that I mean to
be more mindful about consuming less meat AND to buy sustainably
raised, local offerings rather than factory farmed food. Both for health
and environmental reasons. But I drag my feet. So, I'm hoping that this
will help hit the reset button on my habits.
Since I already don't eat dairy (due to intolerance issues), this
should be an interesting challenge. Flag 2 people liked this. Like
Reply
Nicholas 4 days ago in reply to Stephanie Ivy
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This might be helpful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v... ATTACHED FILES
Flag Like Reply
Ben Carmack 5 days ago
As cliche as this may sound, going the old school route has its
benefits. Last year I observed Lent for the first time, and gave up meat.
On Fridays, I had fish.
At first, I felt weak and felt low on energy, but eventually got
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used to it. It gave me sympathy for vegetarians, and because my
stomach was involved, I constantly had stuff on my mind like, "Why am
I doing this again? O right..." It's also a way to experience some
solidarity with the poor, who often lack the protein in their diets that
we have in abundance here.
It's not for everyone but that's my two cents. Flag
2 people liked this. Like Reply
JBW 4 days ago in reply to Ben Carmack
Giving up meat, even for a short period of time, is a great
exercise. As Americans, we consume inordinate amounts of meat.
Taking time to remember the poor and reflecting on the way our
consumer practices impact the Lord's creation is a wonderful Lenten
discipline. I might challenge you or anyone else who chooses to give
up meat for Lent to add to their fast some reading on this subject. (I
recommend Michael Pollan's "The Omnivore's Dilemma.")
As a side note, I also wanted to say that a healthy vegetarian
diet shouldn't make you feel weak, at least not for very long. Be sure
that you are still eating other sources of protein like beans, nuts, eggs,
yogurt, cheese, and leafy greens. Also be sure your diet is rich in a
variety of fruits and veggies, not just starches or grains.
Thanks for sharing this idea. As a committed vegetarian, I have
found the connection between my eating practices and my spiritual life
to be much deeper than I expected when I first stopped eating meat.
Flag Tiffany Taylor and 4 more liked this Like Reply
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Tiffany Taylor 12 hours ago in reply to JBW
I'll add to this discussion (not to your post specifically JBW I'm
just piggy backing) my husband and I decided sometime last year to
cut back on our meat intake in general, because as has been
mentioned.. we eat WAY too much meat in the West.
What we decided to do was not buy meat at the supermarket.
So when we're home, theres no meat to cook, and we buy alot moreveg and plant matter, beans etc. We still eat meat if we're at friends &
family and thats what they are having, or if we go out to a restaurant
and want it. (we don't go out to eat more than once a week). So this
hugely reduced the amount of meat we eat, and increased the amount
of plant matter we eat. Which I love. It gets you out the rut of thinking
of dinner as 'one staple (eg. pasta) + meat + vegetables optional'.
It means we appreciate the meat much more when we have it
too. So if a full vegetarian diet isn't for you but you'd like to cut back
on meat that's an option to change things up. (not specifically for lent
per... show more Flag Like Reply
Graham Wellington 4 days ago in reply to Ben Carmack
This is always something that comes up for me— a full-time
vegetarian (who, frankly, isn't rich, either). I haven't felt as good in my
entire life as I do since giving up meat, on grounds of living
compassionately; my sympathy is reserved for those for whom an
overly high-protien diet robs them of calcium (ever wonder why the US
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has some of the highest osteoporosis rates in the world despite also
one of the highest dairy consumption rates?)
As part of an intentional look at how one might fundamentally
shift their perspectives toward compassion and gentleness, giving up
meat (or, rather, focusing on other foods) sounds like a great idea for
lent. You might come to a different conclusion that I did, but Jesus got
a whole lot more real once I stopped to think for a minute where I fit
into what I was doing. Flag 3 people liked this. Like Reply
adam 5 days ago
one year, instead of a usual "I'm not doing x,y, or z," i gave up
desserts and other unhealthy foods, UNLESS I made them for myself
and enough to share with others. it was a way to live more healthy,
learn more recipes, and bring people together to share in what i was
making. i might try it again this year, and some of your ideas as well :)
Flag 2 people liked this. Like Reply
Irm Brown 2 days ago
Thanks for this post. I, too, am motivated to do something
special for Lent this year. It's always interesting to me, although I do
not practice my faith in a liturgical environment, I am drawn to Lent
each year. There is something very powerful to this time of year.
My study and blogging will be on "seeking" as Christ sought in
the desert.
Meditations from Zion at
http://irmgardebrown.com
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Flag 1 person liked this. Like Reply
Karl 5 days ago
I would recommend reading "Facing East: A Pilgrim's Journey
into the Mysteries of Orthodoxy" by Frederica Matthewes-Green. It's
about more than just Lent, but the chapter(s) on Lent are great. The
whole book is a great introduction to the church calendar and
liturgical/sacramental worship within Orthodoxy. I'm not Eastern
Orthodox, but I loved the book; it enriched my faith and made mehungry for more liturgy and sacrament in my own worship experience.
From the Amazon description: "Following the framework of the
Orthodox calendar - from Lent to Pascha to Nativity, from Vespers to
feasts to fasts - Mathewes-Green chronicles a year in the life of her
small Orthodox mission church." Flag Tiffany Taylor and 1
more liked this Like Reply
orthonorm 4 days ago in reply to Karl
_Great Lent_ by Fr. Alexander Schmemann highly
recommended for in and outside Lent to understand the Liturgical
Tradition of the Church. Flag Like Reply
Nicholas 5 days ago in reply to Karl
It should really be done with the corresponding services,
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though. ;) Flag Like Reply
Ciara Barsotti 5 days ago
For this year's Lent I decided to fast for one meal daily (except
Sundays) and pray for victims of human trafficking, with Not For Sale's
"Fast For Freedom" guided devotional (found here:
http://www.freedomsunday.org/r...... we'll see how me & my low blood
sugar does with that! I've never fasted before... should be interesting.
Flag 2 people liked this. Like Reply
Andrea 3 days ago
Thanks for the great post Rachel. Some wonderful ideas for
observing Lent. Flag 1 person liked this. Like Reply
kb 4 days ago
Eat and drink like the poor for 40 days... week old chicken,
pizza, donuts, and cheap beer? No thsnks:) Flag Mary
O liked this Like Reply
Clairezip 4 days ago
I didn't read through the comments, but have you seen this
prayer for your enemies? http://www.brianmclaren.net/ar... Flag Tiffany Taylor liked this Like Reply
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D.A. Broughton 5 days ago
Great list! I'm compiling resources as I teach evangelical teens
about the reasons and benefits of observing Lent. I plan to print out
major sections of this article to hand out to each one.
Thanks for your work and sharing of this.
Glad I don't have to reinvent the wheel, but can simply find
several 'wheels' around the interwebs. Flag 1 person liked this. Like
Reply
Danae Hudson 5 days ago
P.S. I love that prayer by Merton. I have it at my bed.
Flag 1 person liked this. Like Reply
Lindsey Watson 5 hours ago
Our little one is two, so I have been on the lookout for visual
symbols to be part of our home this year during Lent. On our dining
table, we have three flower pots--one for each person in our family--
and this morning we planted beans in the soil. We talked with our
daughter about how a seed has to die to grow into a plant. It's a
picture of death and resurrection, and also a way to discuss what
habits/thought patterns might need to "die" in our own lives to give
way to more Christ-like character.
I also am using Noel Piper's idea about having candles for each
week and doing a "reverse advent" wreath...beginning Lent with all the
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candles lit and extinguishing one each week until Easter, when all the
Light returns! Flag Like Reply
Brett 11 hours ago
Being a solid non-denominational guy (who came from a
Lutheran and Episcopal background), Lent always sneaks up on me.
And all my IRL buddies don't really think about it. I love these
suggestions, especially the questions to ask yourself. Thank you.
Flag Like Reply
Ann Smith 1 day ago
Thanks for this list, Rachel. I love Thomas Merton's A Book of
Hours. For Lent, I am reading Simplifying the Soul by Paula Huston.
Every week has a specific focus (simplifying space, simplifying care of
the body, etc.) and each day has a meditation and a practice. Some of
the practices have been included in your post and in the comments. Ican already tell by leafing through the book that some of these will be
more challenging than others, and that they reveal obsessions I didn't
realize were obsessions of mine! I am considering blogging about each
day's activity and it's impact on me. Flag Like Reply
Greg 4 days ago
As a guy who did not grow up with this tradition -- but whose
ex has now adopted it and wants our kids to observe it, too -- do you
think it is of value? I tend to dislike and discount anything that is done
only because of tradition, and I'm not sure if I should encourage my
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kids to observe it just because their mom is. Most people I've known
who observed Lent gave up silly things (like gourmet coffee, or CSI --
but only CSI Miami) while continuing to wallow in other sins that I'm
pretty sure God would prefer they give up. But I realize it could be a
valuable discipline, so I'm not sure what to do. I need feedback, please!
Flag Like Reply
JBW 1 day ago in reply to Greg
Greg--I'm not sure I can speak to your exact situation, but I
can tell you that Lent has been a very formational time for me over thelast few years. I didn't grow up observing it, or even really
understanding it. But as I have gotten older, it has become important
to me to learn to discipline myself out of reverence for Christ. I try to
give up things that interfere with my ability to draw closer to Him or
that prevent me from showing mercy to others. Some people give up
food items because every time they crave that item, it reminds them
that they should crave Jesus Christ more than that. Other people give
up social media or video games or shopping just for fun and use their
time or extra money to serve the poor, to pray, or to show hospitality.
All of these disciplines are helpful in pointing us to Christ and shaping
us more into His image. So it certainly seems like it could be valuable
for your kids to experience that. Flag Like Reply
Leanne Penny 4 days ago
It used to terrify me to consider going to a monastery and
immerse in reflection and silence. Now I have so much backed up
thinking and processing to do I would jump at the
chance. Motherhood leaves less room for the disciplines but greater
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need for it. Flag Like Reply
Jennet 4 days ago
Rachel! You're killing me, putting links up to amazing things
like the Way of Light Wreath and then not giving me a way to actually
get one (best I can tell, her son isn't making them anymore and I have
no skills of my own...). But this is a great post. I shared it with my
husband (who isn't much of a blog reader) and he's been inspired to
join me in observing lent. Thanks for your words! Flag Like Reply
Adrian Waller 4 days ago
Maybe a little late, but I'm gonna toss "7:An Experimental
Mutiny Against Excess" by Jen Hatmaker into this conversation. It
definitely lasts longer than Lent, but would be a great exercise for Lent
and beyond. Flag Like Reply
Rachel Held Evans 4 days ago in reply to Adrian Waller
Sounds like an interesting read. Flag 1 person liked this.
Like Reply
Steve Martin 4 days ago
Not exactly on topic (but close)...here's a little (very short -
under 15 minute ) pre-Lenten sermon that will knock your socks off:
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http://theoldadam.wordpress.co...
Enjoy. It starts off a little scary...but hang in there...you'll be glad
you did.
Thank you. Flag Like Reply
orthonorm 4 days ago
Today at lunch I overheard a couple more "traditional" RCsdiscussing what they were giving up for Lent. I think Rachel has made a
great point about stressing what one is going TO DO as well as not.
In general, giving up habitual patterns is a lot easier if there is
something placed in their stead.
This is why fasting is always, or ought, be coupled with prayer
and acts of mercy.
Self-denial comes not just from not doing things but also in
doing. With the appropriate balance, hopefully practiced within the
context of a community attempting similar disciplines, giving up what
we find so important is buffeted greatly by that which we typically balk
in doing.
As an Orthodox Christian there is a helluva sobering and
humbling helpful grace knowing so many throughout the globe are
engaging in shared ancient acts of self-denial and saying prayers
uttered for centuries, millennia.
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A joyful Fast to all.
Flag Like Reply
orthonorm 4 days ago
The Prayer of St. Ephrem:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P... Flag Like Reply
Josh Luukkonen 4 days ago
I'm following the Orthodox fast, which is basically a vegan diet
for 40 days. Less restrictive on certain days, but it's pretty challenging
to do it. But I love it, and look forward to it every year. Trying to collect
discussions/ideas/help on Lent this year @lentenfast on Twitter, so feel
free to join the fun there. Also have a Google+ page with the samename (Lenten Fast). Good luck everyone! Blessings to you! Flag
Like Reply
Nicholas 4 days ago in reply to Josh Luukkonen
Come on, bro, I mean, isn't that running a bit counter to the
humility factor of lent? :P Flag Like Reply
Josh Luukkonen 4 days ago in reply to Nicholas
Oh, Nicholas, it's you! lol. I was confused, reading my email
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notification of the comment. :) And though you're joking (I think!), I
suppose it IS a good thing to consider: are we doing things for Lent
because it makes us look good, or makes us feel good about
ourselves? A good question. Flag Nicholas liked this Like
Reply
D.L. Mayfield 5 days ago
So exciting! I created a little Lent Experiment based off of the
new book by Jen Hatmaker (7:An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess).
The more the merrier! http://dlmayfield.wordpress.co... Flag Like
Reply
Eleanorjane 5 days ago
I've recently moved to another country, halfway around the
world. Our small Bible study group at home kind of died a death(amicably) a few months before we left, so I'm looking forward to
getting into some kind of weekly Bible study group at a new church.
Hopefully it'll be a good way to meet new people (potential friends) as
well as giving me new insights and focus on God. I feel very unsettled
indeed, so it's nice to spend some grounding time with Him. Flag
Like Reply
Mike Schutz 5 days ago
I encourage our folks not just to "give up," but also to "open
up." My daughter is preparing to move to Mongolia for a year, to teach
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and serve. I am giving up my trips ( far too frequent) to Dunkin Donuts,
saving the money I usually spend on iced coffee to help with the
ministry, but also opening up my heart and mind in prayer for the
people she will be serving. Flag Like Reply
Jean Wise 5 days ago
I have been prayerfully considering what to do this year. I
kept your list from last year and am excited to see some new update
this year. I just posted on my blog 15 Lenten Practices. Thanks for
sharing yours Flag Like Reply
Steve Martin 5 days ago
Great post! Thank you!
Here's another good post titled, '9 Things to Give Up During
Lent'.
It's a three minute read...but oh boy, if we could just give up a
couple of these things:
http://theoldadam.wordpress.co...
This post has had over 8,000 hits in the last 3 years.
Enjoy. Flag Like Reply
Ed_Cyzewski 5 days ago
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What a great list. I plan to link here!
I'm writing/editing a series of 40 posts for my church called
Taking Root that I'll also share at my blog. The idea is to explore how
our culture uproots us and to provide a simple practice each day that
helps us become grounded again so that we can go deeper with God.
My pastor calls it a Christian version of Zen Habits, helping us slow
down so we can actually experience God's voice. Flag Like Reply
suzannah {ShoutLaughLove} 5 days ago
i LOVE that bread and wine reader, and the advent one is
great, too. i've hosted this interactive, participatory stations of the
cross on good friday with students for my church and community for a
number of years, and it's always moving:
http://www.youthspecialties.co... Flag Like Reply
Jessica 5 days ago
I love your focus on how you'll be different Easter morning.
I've given up things for Lent before that didn't really lead me to a
closer relationship with Christ. I like the idea of focusing on what I gain
or an area in which I'm growing that would otherwise be inhibited by
the thing I'm giving up. It makes me feel more excited and ready to be
self-disciplined than just grumpy at what I'm about to be missing out
on. Nice reframing of the idea of fasting. Flag Like Reply
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Becca 5 days ago
Thanks for this, Rachel. I incorporated your post into my daily
quiet time today and have spent quite a while reflecting on what I need
to give up, why I need to give it up, etc. Your prompts got me on the
right track and I'm looking forward to a time of refocusing and
resubmitting to God's authority in my life and the peace, hope, and joy
that comes from that submission.
As an aside, I've decided to give up those extra hours of sleep
that I *think* I need - I know that's one thing that gets in the way of my spiritual disciplines. Flag Like Reply
Rachel Held Evans 5 days ago in reply to Becca
Last year I gave up sleeping in and replaced it with prayer.
Hard, but worth it. Flag Jim Fisher liked this Like Reply
Sandra ChristianHeretic 5 days ago
Rachel, the link to Phyllis Tickle's book goes instead to the
Lectio Divina book above it. Flag Like Reply
Rachel Held Evans 5 days ago in reply to Sandra ChristianHe
Oops! I'll fix that. Flag Like Reply
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Aydan Selby 5 days ago
These are some really interesting ideas-- thank you. I am
considering going vegan for Lent (I am vegetarian), avoiding expensive
meat/milk replacements, and donating the money saved somewhere... but I
don't know if I can do it, and I don't want to set myself up for failure.