Meaning-making
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a six-week opportunity for meaning-making in our lives. Lent, from the Latin Quadragesima, or “Fortieth,” calls to mind Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness as he made essential determinations about who he would be and what he would not be. He fasted, he prayed, he discerned; and angels ministered to him along the way.
More than giving up chocolate, Lent invites us into new behaviors that give our souls space to encounter the Spirit of Christ more profoundly. A few time-tested possibilities include:
Silent prayer, on your own and in worship, inviting the Spirit to reveal what you need for growth in Christ.
Prayer journaling or drawing/painting. Pour onto paper your questions, thoughts, feelings, and prayers, trusting God to reveal answers in that ongoing conversation.
Congregational singing, even when you think you can’t sing. There is soul-filling power when we lift our voices together in praise and prayer.
Tithing/“almsgiving.” Consider giving a tenth to God of what God gives you over these 40 days.
Dedicated service/mission. Commit to reaching out regularly for someone else during Lent. We can suggest lots of possibilities!
Begin a Bible study, book club, or Sunday School class. Spend Lenten learning with a group of fellow searchers.
And yes, even fasting. Try not eating from sunrise to sunset. Drink water to stay hydrated if you like, though our Muslim friends don’t even do that during Ramadan!
You might also consider signing up for a fast-breaking meal with some Muslim neighbors on Tuesday, Feb. 24 (RSVP HERE). This year their Ramadan and our Lent overlap, which should make for some meaningful table talk with new religious friends. Seating is limited for the delicious meal they will serve us, so sign up now!
Meaning-making. It gave Jesus grounding and direction for his life. Lent creates space for the same in us.
With you on the journey,
Matt Gaston
Lead Pastor
