Have you decided how you will observe the season of Lent? You may choose to give something up; this can be something you want to let go of forever, a habit you want to break, or a way to change your relationship with someone or something. You may choose to add a practice; a time of meditation, a new prayer practice, reading, exercising, or composting. The goal is not self-improvement or punishment, but to clear space for a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God.
Have you decided how you will observe the season of Lent? You may choose to give something up; this can be something you want to let go of forever, a habit you want to break, or a way to change your relationship with someone or something. You may choose to add a practice; a time of meditation, a new prayer practice, reading, exercising, or composting. The goal is not self-improvement or punishment, but to clear space for a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God.
In her latest blog The Rev. Heidi Haverkamp, author of Holy Solitude: Lenten Reflections with Saints, Hermits, Prophets, and Rebels, shared some good advice for choosing a Lenten discipline:
“It becomes more important to have a daily routine that is in synch with our God-given nature than to have a rule that impresses all who read it … but which is impossible for us to keep without a major ‘makeover’ of our true selves.” Fredette, Karen and Paul. Consider the Ravens. (iUniverse, 2009).
“Keep the schedule immovable enough to keep your natural habit restrained, and flexible enough to enable you to be led.” Jones, W. Paul. Teaching the Dead Bird to Sing. (Paraclete, 2002).
“I abandoned discipline. I became erratic in my daily practices. I looked at each day individually, and listened within to see what was needed to relate to this silence within me. Slowly, new patterns have emerged.” Taylor, Barbara Erakko. Silent Dwellers. (Continuum, 1999).
Articles to read
Barb Cohn recommends this New Yorker article: How I Proposed to My Girlfriend (appropriate for Ash Wednesday)
Lenten Devotionals
Low- and no-cost Lenten devotions, reflections, journals, and curricula for individuals and congregations:
Leanne recommends this Lenten devotional with poetry by Mary Oliver.
Brother, Give Us a Word: A daily monastic practice from the Society for St. John the Evangelist
d365: Journey to the Cross starting March 2
Episcopal Charities 2022 Lenten Reader and bulletin inserts available for download
Episcopal Relief & Development Lenten Devotions (downloadable PDF or daily emails) in English and Spanish
Lenten Virtual Borderlands Experience: a free, five-week virtual experience for individuals and groups from Episcopal Migration Ministries and The Office of Latino/Hispanic Ministries
Life Transformed: The Way of Love in Lent from The Episcopal Church
Living Well Through Lent from Living Compass
United Thank Offering “40 Days of Gratitude” Journal
Lenten Retreats
Living into Silence Contemplative Practices for Lent from Holy Wisdom Monastery
March 9, March 16, March 23. March 30
From 6:30-7:15 pm via Zoom
New to Lent or contemplative practices? All are welcome to learn the basics of spiritual practices in this virtual series. Together, let’s lean away from the stress of life, focus on your personal needs so you can be present to yourself and others, nurture your spirit and learn how to use silence.
Experience:
- Guidance from Benedictine sisters and an oblate – simple practices in a low-stress environment
- Being with others as you seek renewal in your spiritual journey
- A variety of practices to choose from so you can choose one that suits you
- Answers to questions like What do I do on a retreat? What practices can I do on my own at home?
Series cost is $25/computer. After registration, you will be sent a private Zoom link via email. Register Today
Cultivating and Letting Go: A Lenten Retreat
March 5 at St. Luke’s, Evanston
On March 5 from 9 am to noon, St. Luke’s, Evanston will host Cultivating and Letting Go: A Lenten Retreat. Participants are invited to set the tone for the start of Lent through a combination of worship, reflection activities, and self-directed time. Register here. Contact Denise Steinhauser for more information.
You are invited to walk a special Lenten journey with immigrant sojourners and advocates.
Join us for a free, five-week Lenten Virtual Borderlands Experience
Thursdays: March 10, 17, 24, 31, and April 7
7 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time
• Hear stories from our immigrant siblings
• Learn from those involved in migration ministry
• Follow the steps of those who have crossed borders in search of a better way of life
This series can be done individually or as part of a congregational study group.
