Lent starts this coming Wednesday--I know, I know. How did we get here so fast? 

Regardless of where the time is going, it’s time to make a plan for observing Lent. (Do I have one yet? No. But maybe I will by the time this posts!)

If you’re thinking, “are you kidding? I don’t have time to figure out how to do anything special for Lent!”--that’s ok! I repeat, that’s ok! Some people say that we never left Lent 2020, and I can understand if it feels that way. Lent is a special season of preparation for Easter, and if you need to just get through it until April 4, that is ok. You do what is life giving for you. 

Every year there’s a lot of talk about “giving something up” for Lent. Whether that’s chocolate or alcohol or swearing, some people treat Lent like a diet or a self-improvement time, like New Year’s. It’s important to remember that Lent is not for dieting (and talking about it like a time for dieting can be triggering for people with a history of disordered eating). Lent is about redirecting your attention away from distractions that impede your relationship with God and back toward God. 

Here are some simple spiritual practices that you can use throughout this season:

• Go outside every day. Notice the changes in your environment as the seasons change.

• Pick one word each day to write on a paper or poster. On Easter, read back through the words and reflect on your journey through this season.

• Pick something you want to add to your life. Maybe that’s learning a new language on Duolingo, spending 5 minutes alone every morning, or speaking kindly to yourself in the bathroom mirror.

• Keep a prayer journal during Lent. Each day, write down a short prayer—even one sentence per day is good. Or, just make a list of people or situations you are praying for.

• Write a letter or a card to a loved one each day of Lent. By the end of the season, you will have written almost 50 cards and poured yourself into your relationships.

Some people find it helpful to use a word a day to help center themselves each day of Lent. You can use these words as a centering prayer or meditation, a writing prompt or a photo prompt. 

If you’re looking for a justice-centered devotional check out recommendations below:

Disabling Lent: An Anti-Ableist Lenten Devotional by Justice Unbound

email info@justiceunbound.org to get a .pdf

Black Lent from The Good Neighbor Movement. Sign up here to receive in email.

Ashes to Rainbows: A Queer Lenten Devotional from More Light Presbyterians

Bless This Mess: DIY Lenten Calendar and Devotional by the Salt Project

From 2020: Radical Hope by Ignatian Solidarity Network

Let’s Chat.

What practice are you considering for Lent?

What other devotionals do you find meaningful?

Comment below!