It’s important to remember that the word ‘Lent’ itself comes from the old English word for ‘spring’. It’s not about feeling gloomy for forty days; it’s not about making yourself miserable for forty days; it’s not even about giving things up for forty days. Lent is springtime. It’s preparing for that great climax of springtime which is Easter—new life bursting through death. And as we prepare ourselves for Easter during these days, by prayer and by self-denial, what motivates us and what fills the horizon is not self-denial as an end in itself but trying to sweep and clean the room of our own minds and hearts so that the new life really may have room to come in and take over and transform us at Easter.

Rowan Williams (via mackjao)

“Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19).

asexualchristian:

ablogaboutgodandlove:

Lent in 2017 will start on Wednesday, the 1st of March and will continue for 46 days until Saturday, the 15th of April.

if you’re not familiar with Lent: Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter Sunday.

This time period represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry.

People who participate in Lent do so to grow closer to God.

So, how do you do Lent? There are many individual ways to focus on building a closer relationship with God but what people commonly do during Lent is:

– Give up on something

– Pray more

– Give to others

You can do one of those things or combine two or all three.

Giving up on something reminds you of what Jesus had to endure. It may also make you realize how blessed you are (We are often not grateful for things until we lose them!). Additionally, it may help you live healthier (for example if you give up smoking) and honor the body God gave you. Or help you become a better person (giving up on talking badly about others, for example)!

Praying more will strengthen your relationship to God. Again, you honor Jesus with doing this as He also spent those days praying intensely! You may want to add a regular prayer you do once a day (Start each day with a prayer, for example) or pray during a certain activity (If you take a walk in nature regularly, use this quiet time to pray). Or you may like to read a page of the bible each day or listen to Christian music each day on the way to work.

Giving to others is a very Christian thing to do and Lent is a excellent reminder to do so! You’ll grow closer to God by sharing your blessings and love with others. And again: You honor Jesus who also helped others! Some ideas: Buy a homeless person something to drink or eat while on the way to work. Volunteer in a soup kitchen or animal shelter. Send a sweet text to a friend, family member or co-worker each day (choose a different person each day). Donate diapers or toys to a maternity home. Do a random act of kindness each day.

I’ve never participated in Lent before. Growing up Southern Baptist I never knew what it actually was. I think I’m gonna do it this year.

A Lenten Prayer (of the Franciscans)

spoonsinbassclef:

May the Holy One bless you with discomfort. Discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.

May the Creator bless you with anger. Anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May the Redeemer bless you with tears. Tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.

May the Spirit bless you with foolishness. Enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

And the blessing of the Divine that creates, redeems and sanctifies, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen.