Splinters: Lent 2020
During Lent we're asking to be lovingly refined; we're making room for God to work out the splinters in our hearts. Lent is the 40 day season leading to Easter, based on Jesus’ 40 days of prayer and preparation in the wilderness. It's been said that Lent is a good time to put something down and to pick something up. Perhaps putting down our phones in order to read scripture, or missing a meal in order to pray. The choices are ours.
Of course when we think of putting something down in order to pick something up, we might also think of Jesus’ cross. “Take up your cross and follow me”, says Jesus. So Lent is also a time of recommitment. If we’ve somehow loosened our grip on the cross, let some distance grow between ourselves and Jesus, Lent is a time of devoting ourselves again to Christ.
As we head toward Easter - and that splintery cross comes increasingly into view - let's make some room for God to bring about healing and maturity.
*a digital copy of our Lent booklet can be downloaded at the bottom of the page.
How do I join in?
Put something down and pick something up
Choose something to fast, like a kind of food or activity, in order to turn your attention to God. Use that time or energy to pray, read the Bible or otherwise connect with God.
- Fasting is about remembering that what we are "putting down" isn't bad, just put in it's place in relation to God. When we think about that thing, we are reminded to think about God. This leads us into prayer.
- We might think of fasting social media, but consider also adding something to that, like a kind of food, that you can enjoy on a Sunday in community.
Pray in Community
Add or adapt prayer in daily life with your people. Create space around meals, or as the day begins or ends to pray (even briefly) with those around you. Examples: prayer with your family, spouse, friends, co-workers or Life Group. Some ideas:
- Pray before the day begins, before a meal or before bed.
- Start a prayer journal together. Write what you're praying about, include how you've noticed God working as a result of your prayers.
- Prayer walks are a great way to physically walk out in faith. Lift people and situations up in prayer as you walk around a certain area. This can be a great thing to do as a family, community or individual!
Read the Story
Read one of the Gospels during Lent, immersing yourself in Jesus' story. For example, Mark could be read over 16 days by a chapter a day, John over 21 days, Luke over 24, or Matthew over 28. Some ideas:
- Click here for a daily reading plan.
Don't forget to party
If you're fasting, consider breaking the fast on Sundays. For example, if you're not eating chocolate for Lent, enjoy some on a Sunday! This reminds us that even in a time of refining the gospel is good news and always leads us into celebration.
- Choosing something to fast like a food or activity that we can enjoy in community on a Sunday is a plus.
Resources for Families
Choose an age group to download a guide that you can use with your children in the month of April.