Thought and Prayer of the Day
by Mother Jennifer
March 6, 2025
Lenten Disciplines
Yesterday was the beginning of the season of Lent, the 40 day period (not including Sundays) leading up to Easter. The 40 days of Lent remind Christians of the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness being tempted by the devil to turn from the ways of God to the ways of the world.
Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday (yesterday) with service encouraging us to repent of our sins, and to turn again to God. In the service an invitation to all Christians is given:
“I invite you all therefore, in the name of the Lord, to observe a holy Lent by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and by reading and meditating on the word of God.”
These are the Lenten disciplines all Christians are invited into this season, and I encourage you to look to this list and to choose for yourself at least one of these disciplines to take up over the next 40 days to help you grow in your relationship to Christ.
Self-examination and penitence:
This discipline invites us to self-reflection and to prayer. It invites us to confess our shortcomings and sins and find strength to move forward in faith.
A popular way to do this is by praying the 5 step daily examen developed by Saint Ignatius Loyola.
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Look back on your day with Gratitude
3. Review your day and all that happened
4. Face any shortcomings you may have had
5. Pray about tomorrow.
For those who have something deeper weighing them down – Formal confessions by appointment are offered by the clergy – feel free to speak to or email us.
Fasting:
By fasting we remember what Jesus gave up for us. Fasting is an invitation to practice self-discipline and control.
No one is encouraged to go without food for 40 days. Some people have practiced a daily fast within the 40 day period of Lent but it is much more common to fast from something particular for 40 days. Some popular choices include fasting from meat, fast food, chocolate, sweets, coffee, alcohol, social media, or video games.
Choose something that would be a sacrifice for you. Whenever you are tempted to enjoy these things, reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and give thanks.
Almsgiving:
Almsgiving is also a practice of self-sacrifice but in a different way. It is a way to share of our gifts with God and others.
Through Almsgiving we are invited to share of our material gifts above and beyond our regular tithe. One way to do this may be to take the money you would spend on a daily coffee or weekly treat and donate the money instead to the church or a charity of your choice.
Almsgiving can also be a way to share of your time this season, finding meaningful ways to volunteer or to give of yourself to others.
Reading and Meditating on the Word of God:
Lent is a wonderful time to draw closer into relationship with God by reading and reflecting on Scripture. Here are some daily Lenten guides to consider:
- Toronto Anglican Live Lent: God’s Story Our Story Daily Reflections. Download a pdf of this resource.
- Primate World Relief and Development Lenten Reflections Living Into God’s Dream. Subscribe for daily emails or download the whole resource.
- Kate Bowler’s 40 Day – Hardest Part daily reflections. Sign up for the devotional.
Or consider joining us in Lent at the church on Tuesday evenings for our Transforming Questions series.
No matter how you choose to mark this season of Lent, I pray it will be a holy season for you!
Prayer:
May Christ grant you grace to grow in holiness,
to deny yourselves,
to take up your cross,
and follow him;
Amen.
