Lent 2009

So lent begins next week (In the western tradition on Ash Wednesday). Lent is a time where we as followers of Christ reflect and live in the memory of the Jesus time spent in the desert (recorded in Matt 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13). Historically believers have lived in the memory in these 40 days until Easter by differing forms of spiritual practices like prayer and fasting, a heightened awareness for caring the for the marginalized (alms), and a call to repentance in light of the one who was tempted yet was without sin.

I remember a few years back when I tried to give up coffee for Lent....after several days in I realized what I really meant was that I was called to give up half caffeinated white chocolate Mocha's with a shot of vanilla...as a Swede coffee is like air...guess I'm not prefect yet...

I have abstained from things in the past in lent to remind myself a plethora of things:

1) To remind myself of the difference between needs and wants
2) To live more simply as Jesus did
3) To connect with the text more and with Jesus more in this Biblical text
4) To keep the poor and marginalized close to my heart
5) To reflect on my patterns in life and where my time, energy and heart are at
6) To experience and be reminded of my own dependence upon God and ways I fall short
7) To remove excess clutter from my life (to spiritually clean house)


This year I believe it to be television I will be giving up. To be honest and while it may sound precarious I do not watch the ole tube that much. Don't get me wrong I love my Charlie Rose and BBC and a few choice shows but with the switch to Digital it seemed the right thing to do for the time. I'll keep you all updated....

Are any of you out there in blog land looking to give up (or add) practices or tactile elements in your life this lent?


A Simple Prayer:

Loving creator,
I am not asking to overcome my weakness,
but to use it in some way to glorify you.

Let me be aware of
the many ways you reach out to help me today
and let me stand in awe of the power
that you use in such loving ways.