Help for the Lenten Journey

While many people look forward to New Year’s Day to start over and establish new practices, I confess that Lent is the time I rely on for just that – it is MY time to start over with myself, and establish good habits that are beneficial to my heart and soul.  Whatever you choose to do, and whenever you begin, remember that there are many other travelers on the journey with you.  Take up your cross, and do not fear – just follow Jesus.

In the season of Lent, it is common to hear references to “Lenten Disciplines” – those practices (at times austere) – that mark a time of self-reflection.  As I prepared to write about suggestions available to those searching for Lenten ideas, I looked up definitions of the word “discipline”.  Though many of the connotations surrounding it may sound harsh, or even painful, I was reminded also of the disciples, and the discipline that comes from good instruction and practice.  So fear not, practice and instruction need not be something negative, but instead renewing and beneficial.

For those of you who like to utilize the computer for your work and social communications, there are many sites containing beautiful ideas for Lent.  Here are just a few:

The Society of St. John the Evangelist offers for Lent short (less than 2 minute) videos of thoughts from the brothers around the theme: Stop, Pray, Work, Pray and Love.  You may subscribe to receive the daily meditation in your e-mail, or visit their website and you may utilize the entire set of videos as they are released.  Visit http://ssje.org/ssje/time/ .

 (If you subscribed to their Advent series, you have automatically been receiving the Lenten series as well)

If you like the idea of taking time to learn about historical figures – saints and the “saintly” – and do not mind a dash of humor mixed in, then “Lent Madness” may be just the thing for you!  Rather than a basketball bracket, there is a Lent Madness bracket, and votes which advance these prominent individuals until at last someone receives the coveted “Golden Halo”.  Past winners include Charles Wesley, Frances Perkins, Mary Magdalene and C.S. Lewis, and this year’s bracket includes such names as Frederick Douglass, Molly Brant and John Wycliffe.  If your interest is peaked, then go to http://www.lentmadness.org/ and  find out all the details.

If you prefer a list of ideas to draw from, you might like the blog post “40 Ideas for Lent 2015” from writer Rachel Held Evans at http://rachelheldevans.com/blog/40-ideas-for-lent-2015 .  There are so many wonderful ideas here, and many are tied to current events.

While she has a Lenten online “retreat” that requires a subscription, Methodist Minister and artist Jan Richardson also posts regularly on her blog http://paintedprayerbook.com/  .  She shares poems and artwork along with her reflections, and the site is worth a visit at any time of year.  Archived posts are there as well, and many are quite inspirational.

If you would rather have something you are able to hold in your hands as an alternative to “electronic” media, then St. Paul’s has something for you as well.  Available at the rear of the church are Lenten Bags.  These are great for families with young people, but also for adults who enjoy having objects to help them focus.  Inside the bag are six items with brief suggestions and questions for discussion and reflection.  We ask that a household take only one bag, as there are limited quantities – but we will gladly make more if there is a need.

(The Lenten Bags are adapted from an idea shared at buildingfaith.org)

Again, whatever you do, and however you choose to do it – I pray that you will take this opportunity to have a Lenten season that is transformative for you, in the most positive ways possible.

 If you have thoughts to share this Lenten season, please submit them to office@stpaulsconcord.org for consideration.