Asian Girl Drawing With Chalk On Asphalt. Chalk Drawings By A Fi
Lent is a holy season of reflection and renewal. It begins with ashes and ends with the glorious sunrise of Easter morning’s empty tomb. Traditionally, Lent is a time of sacrifice and self-denial. Giving up little pleasures is one way to practice a Holy Lent. But with so much suffering, sadness and sin in the world already, maybe it’s time to re-envision the kind of practices that prepare one for resurrection. In this article, I will suggest five ways to practice a holy Lent.
#1 Practice Courage
It takes courage to live authentically in today’s world. Yet, to emulate Jesus is to practice courage. At the height of temptation, surely Jesus felt twinges of angst, nevertheless, he refused to give in. At the height of persecution, when Jesus could easily have been afraid, he chose to love unconditionally. In this season of hateful rhetoric and us v. them conflicts, it requires courage to open one’s heart to another. And to listen well. Even in the face of fear.
Churches can guide their members in living courageously. Note the kinds of actions that have produced fear or worry in the past. Then plan to take small but significant steps that move you through fear into faith.
Courage doesn’t have to be dramatic or grandiose. It can be shown through small acts of compassion, gentleness, or generosity. For instance, showing kindness in the face of criticism or demonstrating humility in the face of outrage.
#2 Take on Something New
To prepare for the new life that resurrection brings, take on something new this Lent. This could be a new spiritual discipline, or even a practice of saying yes to something new each day.
Churches can guide their members in this form of Lenten practice by taking on a church-wide practice together. Examples of this include morning prayer walks or making new cross-generational connections in the congregation. Or looking for ways to practice a random act of kindness each day.
#3 Create More Joy in the World
In the face of violence and suffering, the world needs more joy. One way to create more joy is to become a better version of yourself. This kind of joyful purpose ripples out to others and gives them permission to be more joyful versions of themselves. Imagine the positive impact of people who have more joy to share with others.
Churches can guide their members in this form of Lenten practice by encouraging people to let go of habits and hurts that keep them down. Uplifted spirits are good preparation for resurrection.
#4 Focus on Others
It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own individual journeys of repentance and renewal in Lent. However, it’s important to remember the importance of focusing on others during this time. Can you use this season as an opportunity for self-reflection as well as service? Perhaps you can reach out to someone who needs help or volunteer with an organization in your area—these small acts of self-giving go a long way toward making a difference in others’ lives.
Churches can guide their members by finding unique ways to open their doors, fellowship halls, or church grounds to the community during Lent. Having a pancake breakfast, an early Spring festival, or a sidewalk chalk art contest for neighborhood children can do wonders toward fostering goodwill between the church and the community.
#5 Practice Gratitude
The Lenten season is an ideal opportunity for practicing gratitude. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of your life or what you have given up, focus instead on all that you have been blessed with—your health, your family and friends, your job or career, your faith, etc. Practicing gratitude each day—even for the hard stuff—will allow you to appreciate all that life has offered you while also developing greater awareness and appreciation for yourself and others.
Churches can guide their members in this form of Lenten practice by formally acknowledging those who do the “little things” that help make everything go smoothly on a Sunday morning. The usher who stays after everyone has left and checks each pew for extra bulletins or lost mittens. The janitor who takes extra care to make the sanctuary shine. That one special person who always takes the time to fix a meal for a sick or shut-in member.
Let your congregation see you, as a church leader, practicing gratitude, not just to church leaders, but to those who are sometimes forgotten.
Forging a New Path
Lent provides us with an opportunity for significant transformation if we approach it in these five new ways. By taking on new initiatives that bring joy into our lives, focusing on others through acts of service, and cultivating gratitude daily, we can genuinely make this period transformational–not only for ourselves but those around us too! So take some time today and intentionally consider how you would like to approach this season.
If you want to know more about deepening your spirituality check out my latest book, Forging a New Path. In it, I provide insights and resources needed to create a significant journey of transformation and spirituality.
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