I’ve been thinking about what to do for Lent this year. Although, theoretically, I could start something new at any time of year, I find that seasons in the church year are good opportunity to review spiritual disciplines. Last year I managed to produce a blogpost every weekday throughout Lent and the Vicar and I had a no-screens-after-8pm fast. We found the screen ban very helpful – and did a lot of talking and reading. We did have Sunday nights off for Dr Who after the Evening Service though. And I enjoyed the more frequent blogging, but I don’t think that is on the cards in 2013.
So here is a little list of what I’m planning to do throughout Lent this year, to draw closer to God and reset my life compass:
- Continue reading my encouraging devotional,Taste and See: Savouring the Supremacy of God in All of Life by John Piper.
- No screens after 8pm again, although I may have to make an exception for writing if I’m to finish Messy Ministry by my deadline just after Easter.
- Write the book – I’m finding the thinking I’m doing quite challenging so far, and the self-discipline involved in setting time aside to write is very good for me. And I have that deadline to meet.
- Increase family devotion frequency to at least 3 times a week. At the moment we’re only managing once a week, although we’re enjoying the format, which includes reading from Sally Lloyd-Jones’ lovely devotional book ‘Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing‘ and praying from prayer diaries from The Leprosy Mission, CMS and the Barnabas Fund, all of whom are supported by our church.
- Did I mention finish the book? And not faff about on the internet being distracted.
sCome nearer Easter, we’ll dig out our Resurrection Eggs too. But other than that I think we’re set. I want to be realistic in the challenges I set but also stretch myself. The screen fast will be the hardest. But I’m also looking forward to the space it will bring into our lives. I’m wondering whether the Vicar and I might use this devotional book together in the time that is freed up. How about you?
The Vicar's Wife 
We’re continuing with ‘Celtic Daily Prayer’ and an audiobook called ‘The Little Way of Lent: meditations in the spirit of Therese of Lisieux’. I’m also on and off reading Revelations of Divine Love, which is so mind-blowing I keep stopping to think about it for a few days! Have a grace-filled Lent 🙂
I’m thinking of giving this a crack
http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/an-ignatian-prayer-adventure/week-1/
Thanks for the book link … I’ll pass it on, too x
I’m hoping to blog my way through lent. I so appreciate the things I learn from the blogs I read, I want to see if I have anything to offer too. I’m also going to read Bishop Andrew’s (Bishop of Aston’s) lent book, it’s great, but I didn’t manage to stick with it for 40 days, so going to try again this year.
We at Toton Churches are doing ‘You’ve got the time’ from the Bible Society – 30 minutes of listening to the new testament for 40 day takes us right through it – and we’re discussing what we’ve heard in our Connect groups, as an incentive to keep up to date with it. Downloadable or on CD, with a reading plan for those without access to computer or modern CD/DVD player. Not sure how I’ll manage concentrating to the spoken voice for 30 minutes, but looking forward to it!
Thank you for praying for us at http://www.CMS-uk.org (the day job)!
Some great resources out there. One of my challenges was to limit myself to the achievable. I’d especially like to try the Bible Society New Testament reading. Maybe next year….