Lent 2012

So, what are you going to do (or not do) from Wednesday, February 22 through Easter Sunday?

Our tradition has undervalued Lenten practices which have fostered growth in millions and millions of Christ-followers for centuries.  To help you get a little more out of this season of preparation, I have two challenges for you.

First, I challenge you to carve out time in your daily routine for prayer.  Spend most of it in silence, listening for God, rather than sharing your list of requests.  At first, the experience may be uncomfortable, but over the weeks leading up to Easter I think you will begin to recognize God's "voice".  You may notice certain themes popping into your consciousness, for example.  You may sense a leading to do something that you wouldn't have otherwise.  But you'll never experience this if you don't give your relationship with God the chance.  Silence on your part increases the likelihood that you will hear God more clearly.

Second, I challenge you to fast at some point during Lent.  Giving up any number of things can be good, but I hope you'll try a 24 hour fast.  Try a lunch to lunch fast, for example.  The point of fasting is to increase your attention on God.  Hunger becomes a reminder to pray, as well as a means of helping us identify with the extremely poor in our world.  Don't fast in order to lose weight.  don't fast in order to "get God to do something."  Fast as a means of drawing closer to God.

I would highly recommend that you pick up a copy of Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline.  It is a classic, valuable resource for any and every Christian.  It will expand your thinking about prayer, give you guidance on fasting, and expose you to a wide range of the most popular spiritual disciplines.