save the daylight

What are some practical things I can do to make Lent meaningful?

One of the best things you can do is be sensitive to the spirit of Lent through intentionally emphasizing positions, actions, moods and disciplines as you go about your normal worship, reading, devotions and prayer times.

Worship Positions: Try reading the Bible, praying, worshipping in a different position - i.e. kneeling, prostrate, bowed head.
Actions: Take some extra time in confession, reflection, prayer, fasting, lament, self examination (spiritual life, family, business, relationships, areas of service, finances, mission) - take the needed time to allow the Spirit to minister.
Moods: Lent has a quietness, reflectiveness, simplicity, self-examination, in-ward focus - again be still and reflective so that the Spirit can equip and shape and transform you.

The Season of Lent

While we have begun the season of Lent, maybe you are not sure what this is. Here is a little primer on Lent.

The season of Lent is a season of worship for both personal and corporate spiritual renewal in preparation for celebration of the central event in Christianity, the death and resurrection of Christ. It is a time for particular reflection on and study of God’s word, for meditation, for prayer, and for self-examination.

Lent, traditionally begins quietly with ashes [Ash Wedneday] and builds in intensity as the observance of Christ’s death and resurrection grow closer. Ultimately, the purpose of Lent is a pilgrimage [this is why we are calling this set of readings/reflections: Journey to the Cross] to see the Gospel in motion in a convicting and empowering way.

JOURNEY TO THE CROSS & THE SEASON OF LENT

The season of Lent is traditionally a period of meditation, prayer and spiritual reflection and renewal among Christians. It begins on Ash Wednesday [25 February this year], following what is called Shrove Tuesday – or in many, including our house – Pancake Tuesday. It continues for 40 days [not counting Sundays] until the Saturday before Easter.

Lent comes from an old English word meaning “spring” with Germanic root meaning “lengthen.” It is a season of preparation, of awakening. It’s a time of preparation to celebrate with great joy the resurrection.

Some people give up something for lent. We'll talk a little about that in a couple of days. But if you feel the need to give up chocolate, please feel free to send it to me!

40 Days

Lent lasts for 40 days [not counting Sundays]. The number 40, in the Bible, often signifies initiation, preparation and purification. For example, there is...

• Noah in Genesis 7:4-17;
  
• the Israelites in Exodus 16;
  
• Moses in Exodus 24:15-18, Deuteronomy 2:7;
  
• the spies in Numbers 13:21-15;
  
• the induction of the kingdom in 1 Samuel 2:11;
  
• the preparation of Ninevah in Jonah 3:4-5;
  
• Jesus in the wilderness in Mark 1:9-13;
  
• Jesus between the Resurrection and the Ascension in Acts 1:3.

welcome

Welcome to occweb.blogspot.com.
Over the next few weeks, I will be posting some lent devotions / reflections / quotations / questions / observations / and other assorted notes.
I invite you to join with me on this Journey to the Cross
as we focus on the meaning of the Cross for our lives today.