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| Photo courtesy of Common Grace /Bible Society |
“So what are you giving up for Lent?”
Up until two years ago, I’d never given Lent much thought. For some
reason, I know not why, I’d thought it an outdated practice that Catholics
observe. Typically, it appeared to be reduced to the question above. In my
overly judgemental moments I found it strange that apparently non-pious people
chose to participate in such a “custom”.
Two years ago I felt the nudge in my soul to explore Lent and one of the
studies I followed introduced me to the notion of “spring cleaning of the soul” which particularly grabbed me. We spring clean everything else, so
why not the soul?
Yesterday I was cleaning out a cupboard that we used to store odds and
ends and invariably I came across stuff that at one time was useful but no
longer. Similarly, I’ve found junk in my soul that needs throwing out as I’ve
refocused my walk with Jesus during the past two Lent seasons.
Fasting is an important aspect of our daily walks allowing us to let go
of our dependence on certain things (food, TV shows, internet, etc) so we can
filled by the Lord as we rely on Him. It’s a practice I grapple with and it’s
this challenge that makes it worthwhile to keep doing regularly.
However, I’ve also found it important to actually take up a new practice during Lent. Activities that change my
focus in my daily time with Jesus.
“Embrace this God-life.
Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you.” (Eugene Peterson)
This year I chose to take-up two activities:
1. The Bible Society has teamed up with Common Grace to focus on the Lord’sPrayer. I find it such a great prayer in aligning my spirit to focus
on God. In a year where I’m seeking to “adore” God more, the Lord’s
Prayer is an excellent way of starting my day.
2. I follow Margaret Feinberg’s work and she brings thousands of people
around reading the Bible. Two years ago we read the entire Bible (yes, in six
weeks!) and last year, the New Testament. This year, we’re reading the Gospels.
But Margaret also introduced us to the idea that a friend showed her of using
the Colour Method for reading each passage. I love this as it forces
me to linger longer on the words and the message. I won’t do it everyday but I
hope to do it 3-4 times a week. Try it.
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| Photo courtesy of Margaret Feinberg.com |
I
hope we all draw closer to Jesus during these next six weeks as we prepare for
Easter.
What
are your thoughts on Lent?
Ian Acheson is an author
and strategy consultant based in Northern Sydney. Ian's first novel of
speculative fiction, Angelguard, is now available in the US, UK, Canada and Australia. You can
find more about Angelguard at Ian's website, on his author Facebook page and Twitter
