Lent is one of the seasons of the church calendar that I grew up with some knowledge of, though I had never really practiced it. Easter would come around so quickly and could almost feel as though I had missed it. The most important day in the church year, and somehow it felt like I had missed it. I’ve realized that maybe it felt this way because there was no season of preparation – no season dwelling on the life of Christ, on my sin, and the meaning of the cross.
This year, I’m trying to sit in the weightiness of this season of preparation. The three spiritual disciplines associated with Lent are fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Let’s take a look at how we might practice each of these during this season.
The Lenten Fast
I think most of us are at least familiar with the idea of a Lenten fast. During the 40 days of Lent, many believers fast from something in order to seek after God. In Sacred Seasons, Danielle Hitchen encourages readers that the Lenten fast should not be done in order to break a habit and it shouldn’t be absolutely miserable. Instead, the fast should be giving up something that we tend to find satisfaction in and focusing instead on finding satisfaction in God.
She also points out the Lenten fast is not meant to be shared with anyone so as to not complain about it and to keep it private between you and the Lord. For that reason, I will not be sharing what I am fasting from.
I am trying to share my fast with my children by talking about what I am fasting from and why with them. I am praying that as they watch Mom and Dad fast each year, they will learn from that and choose to participate themselves one day.
Practicing Prayer
The second spiritual discipline that Lent focuses on is prayer. The Lenten fast leads naturally into the discipline of prayer. Whenever I desire that which I am fasting from, I should be naturally stirred to seek God in prayer. I am trying to be intentional about noticing when I am craving that thing and asking the Lord to satisfy me in that moment.
In the weeks to come, I will also be memorizing and saying breath prayers. Breath prayers are short prayers that you pray as you take a moment to breathe. I will be finding and learning breath prayers that ask God for things like patience, kindness, gentleness, and obedience to His commands.
Prayer is something I can definitely involve my children in. We have been teaching Simeon a prayer for meals and before bedtime. I am also working on praying with Simeon when he disobeys or when he is feeling scared or hurt. During our Sunday liturgy, we read the commandments and practice saying “God, help me obey your commands.” I will also be looking for a breath prayer that I can teach Simeon and practice with him during Lent.
Giving to Those in Need
During the Lenten season, Christians have traditionally practiced giving to the poor and needy. This can also go hand in hand with the fast, as it should also naturally lead us to do the things of God.
I am going to be looking for ways I can bring along my children to serve others during this season. Maybe we will make a meal for someone in need, help another family by offering childcare, or make cards for those who are hurting or sick. I want my children to come along with us as we seek to serve others just like Jesus did. They can learn at even a young age what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to love those around them in tangible ways.
During this season, may we be mamas who bring our children alongside us as we seek satisfaction in God alone. May we be mamas who teach our children to pray, obey God, and serve others.