It’s Lent, the 40 days before Easter and a time to realign ourselves by using this time to really focus. I’m using this time to hone in and give up on something that is my weakness: sugar.
I feel like if I can survive 40 days without sugar then I can surely meet my weight loss goals with a vengeance. Are you trying to give up something? Well here are some suggestions on things you can do during Lent.
10. Try an electronic fast. Give up TV, Facebook, texting, tweeting, e-mail and all things electronic for one day every week. (Or everyday of Lent!) Use the time to read & pray. Learn about fasting. (Learn more about media fasts.)
9. Start a prayer rhythm. Each day of Lent, go to The Upper Room’s prayer wall and pray for another person.
8. Go deeper into the Bible. Take an online course on the “I Am” sayings of Jesus.
7. Forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it (maybe even yourself.) Study a book on forgiveness, such asForgiveness, the Passionate Journey.
6. Give up soft drinks, fast food, tea or coffee. Let Juliana’s Ice Cream Fast inspire you to give up some food or drink as a way to grow closer to God. Give the money you save to help folks in a different part of the world who are in crisis. Pick a current global issue and help change the world.
5. Create a daily quiet time. Spend 10 minutes a day in silence and prayer. Read a daily devotional for the season of Lent. See how it can help you add spiritual practice to your daily life beyond Lent.
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. Learn more about spiritual practice of gratitude.
3. Participate in a Lent Photo-a-Day practice and pray each day with your camera in your hand. Start praying.
2. Volunteer one hour or more each week with a local shelter, tutoring program, nursing home, prison ministry.Learn about the global issues and how you can help.
1. Pray for others you see as you walk as you walk to and from classes or drive to and from work. Download the Nimbus Prayer app and pray as you go through your day.
About the Author: Rev. Penny Ford is the pastor of a small UMC church in Carrollton, Alabama. She loves playing trains and going for walks with her son, Jamieson.
From http://www.upperroom.org/lent101
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