Lenten Spirituality

Lenten Spirituality (2012)

      1.      “Self-Examination and Repentance”

·       Memorize Psalm 51

·       Meditate on Psalm 51 (Lectio Divina) once a week.

      2.     “Prayer, Fasting, and Self-Denial”

“Christian fasting is the voluntary denial of something for a specific period of time for a spiritual purpose.” It is a restriction that creates space for God.

·     Fast from breakfast and lunch on the Wednesdays during Lent. On these days, drink only water or juice until dinnertime. Take the time that would be spent eating and commit it to encountering God.

·     Choose a personal 40-day fast. Here is how to choose: If you are either 1) unwilling to give something up or 2) unable to give something up, there exists a spiritual problem in your life. Address this problem during Lent by means of fasting.

o   I will fast for 40 days from ______________________________________________.

o   Guidelines:

 1. No Complaining or Bragging to others (secrecy)

 2. In tradition, Sundays are days to break your fast in honor of the Lord’s Resurrection Day (Celebration) and in anticipation of the coming Sabbath rest. Do this if it is appropriate to your fast.

 3. Do something that forces you to 1) depend on God more or 2) create space for God to search your heart and convict you of sin in times of prayer.

      3.     “Reading and Meditating in God’s holy Word”

·       Cycle through these seven sets of passages during Lent:

Sunday: Psalm 6; Hebrews 12:1-13

Monday: Psalm 32; Ezekiel 37:1-14

Tuesday: Psalm 38; Mark 8:31-38

Wednesday: Psalm 70; Matthew 4:1-11

Thursday: Psalm 101; Joel 2:1-29

Friday: Psalm 130; Matthew 6:1-18

Saturday: Psalm 143; Isaiah 58