LENT - Encountering the Infinite God

(Ideas for Lent Below)

For me it was Lent 2011 that changed my life forever.

I could not decide on what to do for Lent. "Do I do this or that?" "Do I give that up?" Finally, I said, "God all I want to do this Lent is to actually know You. And I have no idea what that means." I trusted that God would provide. I had a desire, a hunger that was ready to be filled. Over the course of that Lent I found myself praying more, actually reading the bible, getting involved in serving others, and pondering the deeper questions of God and the life He has for us. That Lent placed me on the course that has led me here to you in Bigfork, Squaw Lake, and Northome.

If you are struggling to come up with something for Lent see the list below for some suggestions, but if you are daring and courageous enough, I invite you to ask God, what you should do. His answer may surprise you. One Lent while I was in seminary, I was shocked by God's response, "Write down all the compliments and good things people say to you." I told my spiritual director said that sounds good. I knew that it was God's plan for that Lent because people came out of the wood-work to complement me.

May God bless you this Lent.

 

Ideas for Lent

PRAY, FAST, GIVE ALMS

Suggestions: (Pick One)

Read and pray with scripture. (10-20 minutes a day) (Again Pick one for the whole of Lent) 

  • Exodus - Read about the History of the Passover and life in the desert.
  • Isaiah - Some times referred to as the 5th Gospel as it has a number of prophesies about who the messiah will be and what he will do.
  • Gospels - Pick One, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Ponder anew the life and teaching of Jesus.
  • Letter of James - New Testament wisdom. Living wisely the Christian life.
  • Learn about Lectio Divina.

Focus on growing in prayer.

  • Establish a better prayer habit. Pray 5-20 minutes in the morning, afternoon, evening, or all three.
  • Add a new prayer. Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Morning Offering, etc.
  • Think about how God is with you. Brother Lawrences' book The Practice of the Presence of God.
  • Spend time in adoration.
  • Pray the Stations of the Cross.
  • Hallow Prayer APP - Lent Pray 40 challenge

Follow a Lenten Reflection or program.

Write down 3 things that you are thankful to God for each day.

Fasting - give something up to make more room for God.

  • Give up snacking.
  • Abstain from meat on one other day besides Friday.
  • Reduce screen time.

Alms-giving

  • Follow the Catholic Charities Rice Bowl program. 
  • Donate to a different charity each week of Lent.
  • Learn more about other social outreach programs and opportunities.
  • Go out of your way to compliment someone.

If you are still struggle search for, "ideas for Lent." or ask God.

I hope that you encounter God anew and more deeply.

-Fr. Jeremy

Comments

  • Cathy JanusPosted on 2/06/21

    VERY good suggestions! It is a test of courage to ask God what He wants us to do! Sometimes we must be Carefull of what we ask for unless we are willing to do as He asks.