3 Lenten Practices for Those of Us Who Don't Know How to Practice Lent
Hey gal!
I wanted to write about all things Lenten today.
I really didn’t grow up practicing Lent. As a young gal, I attended the Lutheran church down the street, and I learned a little about the church calendar. Pentecost, Advent, Epiphany, Lent, etc—all seasons that had colors associated with them and handmade banners with symbols, hung up on the walls of our church, adding a little graphic visual about what was happening in the church worldwide. As I grew in my faith, I also learned about what these times in the church year actually represented.
But practice Lent? I did not do that really.
One of my memories of Lent was the homey Soup Suppers that were served to our entire church. Meatless soups. Every Wednesday when we met up at church for Bell choir practice, we would enjoy a Soup Supper. The church ladies would make a big pot of soup, and we would all sit down at long rows of church tables and share the meal. I looked forward to that time and felt like I was a part of an ancient practice with my church family.
That is about all I remember that I did for Lent. I have not given up something for Lent because it just didn’t seem like I could figure out what to do or it felt like something ‘needsome’ to do. (I thought I just made up a word, but when I checked it is actually a word….who knew?)
I have thought at times it would be nice to have a practice or something that would prepare me for Easter like Advent prepares me for Christmas.
This year I have learned about several Lentish things from three great gals that piqued my interest. I thought I would share these ideas with you. Maybe you might want to investigate a Lenten Practice. I hope what I found encourages you to be thoughtful or pull aside and consider anew how to prepare for Easter. To think and ponder what Jesus has done for us on the cross. And that this year as you practice Lent in preparation for Easter, you will experience anew the wonderful, good news of the Gospel.
Lenten Sursees
Sarah Clarkson. Our Guru of All Things Artish
Sarah, the daughter of Sally Clarkson, who was my mentor from afar, has a beautiful post chock-full of ideas for the practice of Lent.
She introduces the idea that we are practicing Lent. This takes some of the fear away for me. She, like her mom, loves all the senses and the arts and weaves them into her Lenten practices. She lists Books, Movies, Art and Music that will help you explore Lent. I especially loved her Spotify play list and have been listening to it this past week.
Sarah embraces the idea that we experience Lent with all of our senses, and I love the Sursees she gives us. Go see and hear what I am talking about.
Shelly Miller. Our Sabbath Rest Coach
I have shared before about Shelly here and her gentle coaching us into sabbath rest. She has a fantastic offering for her email subscribers that are a perfect Sursee for Lent.
In her own words she explains why sabbath for Lent:
Lent provides an altar for leaning into vulnerability; choosing the smudgy grace of a do-over through Christ’s crucifixion, and accepting that you are dust.
God is present, but we can’t see the evidence of His presence in undesirable circumstances.
God is knocking and waiting, but we can’t hear or discern when distracted by busyness.
God is trustworthy, but we are skeptical due to the current climate.
God is faithful, but disappointment halting hope makes us doubters.
She is inviting us to join in her Sabbath Journey for Lent.
Listen again to her words:
Once a week, we’ll surrender a day of keeping busy for abiding with Jesus through rest. Forget being consumed with matters of the body to focus on matters of the spirit. By resting a specific part of your body each week, allow God to bring fresh revelation, meaning and purpose.
You can follow along in the Sabbath Society email that slips into your Friday mailbox by signing up here.
Or, if you already have some practice that you are keeping you can download her Sabbath Journey for Lent Ebook when you sign up for her blog.
Either way, Sabbath Society newsletter or sign up for her blog, she will gently lead you into the Lenten season with reminders of Jesus’ love and truth.
Terri Conlin. Our Creative Friend with an Easy, Soulful Practice for Lent
Terri Conlin is a dear friend of mine and she writes all about how to live life in a soul-full way over here. She recently was one of my Hey, Gals! Terri is going to invite us to practice a really simple activity each day during Lent. All it takes is a candle and 40 matches. Here is the practice in Terri’s words:
In the past, I have done this match lighting as a Lenten practice, and that is why I tell you about it now. Lent is just around the corner, beginning this year on March 6. Whether your church tradition celebrates the Lenten season or not, you can join in from your spot in the world.
Let's do it together!
Here is the simple practice. For the 40 days of Lent (46 if you count feast Sundays), strike a single wooden match, light a candle, and imagine your fears, insecurities, arguments with others, resentments, regrets, sins, and whatever you hope to let go of, burn away. At the same time, live expectantly that God is surely listening to your prayers, joining you in your day, and meeting your right where you are. Your small lit matches are building a fire to warm your soul and the world with the light of Christ.
Read more over on Terri’s website and see the beautiful way she practiced hospitality recently using the match and the candle and a gorgeously set table.
Y’all, we can do this! Your kids can join in. Might this match striking and candle lighting be a practice to include this year as you prepare for Easter? I love the idea of us all doing this together. Are you in?
Let me know.