40 Ideas for Lent (2012)

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Believe it or not, Lent begins next week! As has become a tradition here on the blog, Ive 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:

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 there anyone 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 dont? 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. Binz 4. 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 Willard 10. Wondrous Encounters:

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, Id like to try to get into a more consistent schedule, at least sticking to morning and evening prayers, no matter what. If its your first time praying the hours, I recommend using Phyllis Tickles The Divine Hours. If youre 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 WilsonHartgrove, 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 more on 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

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. Its 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 meaningful times of prayer and contemplation Ive 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 dont 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. UnplugTV, 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 dont mean

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 resources on 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 51 2. Psalm 139 3. Isaiah 58 4. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) 5. The Lords 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

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 makeup 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

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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

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 feels included!"). 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.

"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

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

this Like Reply

pofalici liked

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

 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

loves you. And so do... show more Flag

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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 a surprisingly 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

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
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Michellebriggs99 4 days ago in reply to Charlotte

Try to attend a Stations of the Cross service. Flag 3 people liked this. Like Reply

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

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:

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
3 more liked this Like Reply Paula Snyder Belousek and

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

 See, I totally get the fasting from social media thing - mostly because the nature of social media, (with its 24-hour accessibility, realtime 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
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Sandra ChristianHeretic 5 days ago in reply to Mark Baker-Wright

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

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 ChristianHeretic

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

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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.

 Flag

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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
Taylor liked this Like Reply Tiffany

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.

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 Oxfam America said that 50% of people in the world only eat rice...I will say that I failed miserably. Flag
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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

 This might be helpful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

AT TA C H E D F I L E S

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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

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
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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 more veg 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

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

 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 me hungry 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
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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,

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
O liked this Like Reply Mary

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
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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

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. I can 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

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 the last 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

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.

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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:

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" RCs discussing 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.

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 same name (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

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
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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
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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

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

 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

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
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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 ChristianHeretic

Oops! I'll fix that. Flag Like Reply

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.