Lent begins this week. Are you ready? Is your heart prepared for Lent?
I used to jump in at the last minute in my preparation for this solemn time of year pondering the time before Easter we call Lent. To be honest, often it would be two weeks into the season before I would think – “Wow, Easter seems early this year? Am I ready?”
Of course, getting ready meant buying spring outfits for the kids and new shoes. Maybe decorating with rabbits and coloring Easter eggs. Ham for the big meal? Sunrise or regular services that morning?
Don’t tell anyone, but often I would want to just skip the sad readings in my devotionals, the dreary February weather skies and hop right into green spring in Ohio.
But now I prepare my heart for Lent differently. Perhaps because I am older and closer to death myself. Maybe the truth we call God’s love is finally sinking to my dry soul.
I am more intentional about my Lenten practices now and dare I say, look forward to spending in-depth time listening to God. I begin now 3-4 weeks before Ash Wednesday using the four steps below:
Pray – I start with God. Too often I get so wrapped up in detailed planning to suit my own needs, desires and imagination. Now I ask God to help guide me, to give me wisdom to know what to go and what to let go of and to hear him where he is inviting me into during Lent.
Prepare – Two weeks ago, I scoured my bookshelves for what book I already owned about Lent. I watched my emails for new releases and read some reviews. Of course I spent some time exploring my favorite site, Amazon for ideas too. Then I listened – Where are you leading me, Lord? Which books continue to resonate with me?
Prime the Pump – One afternoon I took out a piece of paper and just doodled, dumped and drew. What words – themes from the Lenten season – echoed in my soul? How would I empty my heart, my internal space to create room for Christ? What would I let go of, offer someone, fast from? How would I prepared my space physically to welcome Lent? I made a list of websites with videos, resources guides, ideas for this season. My scribbles filled the page. I stopped and listened once again. I found myself over planning, over thinking, over controlling, and over organizing. I stopped. I prayed. I listened.
Plan – This year I am going to write daily. I have always been a journal keeper but not daily. God seems to communicate with me with words so I am exploring his Word with words this year.
I purchased a special journal and plan to write my reflections on verses and readings each day.
I found a deep purple scarf to adorn my home altar along with a new candle.
I prayerfully wrote out my desires: to center on God, preferring nothing but Christ, to learn to love like God loves and to listen, abide and serve.
I clarified three questions to ask daily: Where have I notice, met, listen, and worship God today? Where did I find joy and danced with God? Where/how did I create space for him by pausing, letting go and/or being silent?
Here are the books I am using this year:
Desert Banquet – A year of Wisdom from the Desert Mothers and Fathers by David Keller. This is a year long daily but short devotionals based on the Ammas and Abbas sayings. Remember when we explored them on this blog back in November? Here is one of the links if you want to visit them again and learn more.
Pauses for Lent – 40 words for 40 days – by Trevor Hudson. I like the idea of keeping it simple – one word for each day. What is that word saying to me personally?
40 Days of Decrease – a Different Kind of Hunger, A Different Kind of fast – by Alicia Britt Chole. Each day has quotes, a reflection, bible verses and a daily fast. For example, one day you fast from regrets, another stinginess.
It is never too late to prepare your heart for Lent. Start anytime: God will wait. And I can’t wait to see what God teaches me and how he leads me during this special season.
How are YOU preparing for Lent?
M first step of preparation was to take notes on this wonderful, inspiring post, Jean! I’ve copied your suggestions into my journal so I can reflect further, especially on those three questions (near the end) to ask daily. Thank you very much, Jean, for focusing my thinking! Another part of my plan for Lent includes a study of the Psalms of the Ascent with Kimberlee Conway Ireton on her blog (www.kimberleeconwayireton.com). Each week she plans to post her reflections, based on these psalms, and leading us up the ascent toward Easter.
Thanks for your kind words, Nancy. I am not familiar with that book and will look it up. I love the Psalms and it sounds good. Thanks for sharing that. Happy Valentines Day!!
Hi Jean! Here I sit with my purple scarf around my neck, welcoming in Lent in my heart.
My friend and husband and I all went out for dinner for ‘Fat Tuesday’ last night, and now I present myself in the desert wilderness to pray. Such opposites! But of course only opposite in my heart. It’s all God, it’s all good. I think that’s my aim this Lent. To quiet myself more in the moment. Right now where God is.
I’m reading Joan Chittister’s book on the Desert Fathers and I’m loving it. Just enough in the short chapters to meditate on for the day.
Best of blessings on your commitment to writing! May He cover you in inspiration and time to express your faith.
Ceil
A purple scarf! how perfect, Ceil. love it. I am reading Joan’s book too some mornings. You are right it is a great length for morning devotions. so are my writing commitment has held up – will lose it as we travel in the coming weeks but will have many days before and after vacation will some entries. will see where it leads… Have a great weekend, Ceil. Keep warm!
Jeanie,
Great resources…Our church is going through a devotional with prayer so it is what I was going to use in addition to our women’s Bible study but I really like your daily questions…Praying joy for you, my buddy 🙂 funny how my post today parallels part of your post …xoxo
This practice of finding, seeking joy each day is actually fun. Makes me mindful, helps me savor moments and often brings a contented smile. It is so much fun having this journey with you!! Happy weekend. may it be filled with joy!
I really haven’t done much to prepare for Lent this year so this post is right on time for me to at least get out a daily devotional that I planned on reading. Thanks, Jean!
It’s not too late Lisa. God will wait. LOL
True, God will wait. 🙂 Thanks, Jean. I did find the devotional book that I wanted to read, and decided to commit to Centering Prayer every day through Lent (if possible; I will give myself grace if I can’t do it). I appreciate your encouragement.
Glad you found that book. I just found a cool centering prayer app for my phone; centering prayer by contemplative outreach. neat app. you may like it too. and we all need that grace!!
I’ll look up the app; haven’t heard of it. Thanks, Jean!
I used it again this morning and really like it.
This Lent, I will be exploring breath prayer using your book, “Whispers,” and reading “The Word in the Wilderness – A Poem a Day for Lent and Easter” by Malcolm Guite. I’m also going to spend more intentional time praying and listening to God in the silence. A blessed Lent to you, Jean!
I hadn’t heard of the book by Guite. sounds wonderful. Simple like I am reading. I pray Whispers blesses you too. Seems like we both are drawn this year to silence and simplicity. Blessings on your Lenten journey too.
Thanks
I appreciate you stopping by and reading, Clella. Can’t wait to see you