Copied from Lent 101... What do you need to let go of or “fast” from in order to focus on God? What clutters your calendar and life? How can you simplify your life in terms of what you eat, wear or do? SERVICE: Some Christians take something on for Christ. You can collect food for the needy, volunteer once a week to tutor children, or work for reform and justice in your community. You can commit to help a different stranger, co-worker or friend everyday of Lent. Serving others is one way we serve God. PRAYER: Christians also use Lent as a time of intentional prayer. You can pray while you walk, create music or art as a prayer to God, or savor a time of quiet listening. All can be ways of becoming more in tune with God. Christians from many different traditions celebrate Lent. How will you use the time to grow closer to God? TOP TEN THINGS YOU CAN TRY FOR THE LENTEN SEASON: 10. Try an electronic fast. Give up TV, Guitar Hero, texting, tweeeting, e-mail and all things electronic for one day every week. (or everyday of Lent!) Use the time to read & pray. 9. Start a prayer rhythm. Say a prayer every time you brush your teeth, hear an ambulance, or check your e-mail. Before you text someone, pray for them. 8. Read one chapter in the Bible each day. (Matthew’s a good book to start with. Psalms, too.) 7. Forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it (maybe even yourself.) 6. Give up soft drinks, fast food, tea or coffee. Give the money you save to help folks in Haiti or others in crisis. 5. Create a daily quiet time. Spend 30 minutes a day in silence and prayer. 4. Cultivate a life of gratitude. Write someone a thank you letter each week and be aware of how many people have helped you along the way. 3. Be kind to someone each day. 2. Pray for others you see as you walk to and from classes or drive to and from work. 1. Volunteer one hour or more each week with a local shelter, tutoring program, nursing home, prison ministry or a Habitat for Humanity project.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 14:03:01 +0000