Lent

I agree, that to some point Lent is not observed in the way that it should be ideally. and it irks me a little (okay, it irks me a lot) that people seem to use Lent as a diet a lot of times.

I personally observe it because I love the meaning and symbolism behind it. I also like that Christians talk about it, because if you are observing it sincerely, it's nice to have others to support you and use Lent to get deeper in unity.



Anywho - I'm giving up caffeine for Lent. I rely on it WAY too much to get me going and then keep me going. I need to rely on His strength rather than fake strength....so, that's one thing I'm doing...and prayers would be appreciated because caffeine withdrawal has gotten me every time I've tried to give it up so far

Growing up my parents always did Lent, and it became a life style change for them, the way they ate and how they took care of themselves and their walk with the Lord. I would do it when I was younger, but I wouldn't keep it all the way. Last year, I gave up bread for Lent, and it was such a blessing to me. My body worked better, I felt like I had more energy, and I used a lot of the time for prayer and being near the Lord. This year, I am doing the same, and giving up two more things. Honestly, I don't talk about it a lot, because I like for it to be personal with the Lord and with my parents. If I struggle I go to them about it, because the things I do give up are a large part of me. Well, this year the other two things are not as important as giving up bread. I grew up in a family where bread was and is the most important thing you can put in your body. My grandfather wouldn't let us leave the table if we did not eat even a piece of it, so it is in many ways my weakness.

Also, I've decided during this time, I will be in more prayer as I was last year. Last year I could see the benefits of my "sacrifice." I can't explain it, well mostly because they are personal, but mostly because a lot of people did not take me seriously, so I just didn't talk about it.

But, anyhow, I am doing it again this year, and I'm looking forward to it.

Ah yes, that would be the one!

I don't know how it is elsewhere but here giving up of things that are not necessary but are enjoyed on a regular basis is more of a symbolic thing than anything else. There are spiritual aspects to it and everyone is encouraged to use the money they save/the extra time they have to put into doing good deeds and such but mostly it's just to remind us that Jesus fasted for 40 days and these things really are not necessary in our lives. The only necessary thing happens to be the Lord.

That's the idea anyway.

My diocese runs a Lent course where we have lectures and discussions on the importance of giving up even a small thing, maturity in faith, prayers, evangelism, community involvement, etc. which is aimed at helping people understand the importance of Lent and how it can help us deepen our faith and understanding of the Bible. So that interweaves with people who give up chocolate because it's an indulgence and people who carry out strict fasts and acts of generosity/kindness as they remember Christ and all of that wonderful stuff.


I have no idea what happens outside of the Anglican church, or for that matter my own church. We're encouraged to go to formal confession, to attend seminars on growing in our faith and why we observe Lent, this Wednesday we will get to have little palm ash crosses smudged onto our foreheads and we'll be expected to walk out of the church with them on, all of that fun stuff. Our services become far more solemn, we will not sing Gloria in Excelsis until Lent is over, it's just a whole change in feeling across the church. If I did not participate in Lent it would feel odd, like I was actively turning my back on the ways of the church if that makes sense


Anyway. It really is whatever makes sense for the individual. No one should feel pressured or that it's a point scoring competition, it should never be like that.

I usually give up chocolate or other unhealthy things.

Amber.ly said:

You're giving up chocolate.... because why? Is that going to help your walk with Christ? Is coffee holding you back? Is CF a downfall or a stumbling point to your relationship with your Savior?

If the answer is "yes" to those questions then I am your biggest cheerleader for giving up those things during Lent. If not, I think you need to rethink what the purpose and point of giving up anything is. If it has no spiritual purpose, why do it?

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Maybe I'm weird (well, about this in addition to how I am usually), but I have thought of giving up CF. I don't see it as a stumbling block, but I was thinking of maybe giving up CF and replacing it with prayer, meditation, something personal, something else personal, and journaling the experience for current and maybe future reflection.

Marycita said:

I personally observe it because I love the meaning and symbolism behind it. I also like that Christians talk about it, because if you are observing it sincerely, it's nice to have others to support you and use Lent to get deeper in unity.

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Yeah, I like the meaning and symbolism, too. And I agree that it seems like a good time of spiritual bonding with other Christians.

I'm kind of private about what I want to do. I don't live a luxurious lifestyle and other than CF and Facebook, I don't really have anything to give up. I'm going to follow someone's suggestion and be more creative. I've never done anything for Lent before and part of me is a little afraid that others might think what I want to do is stupid. And it also is just a personal thing and I'm just not sure I'd feel comfortable sharing it for that reason...especially since this is a first for me.

This year, I am giving up giving up! Makes life so much easier.


Or seriously, I was blindsided by how quickly it got here this year! So I haven't really thought about what I will sacrifice. I have always thought about doing a daylight fast for 40 days, only eating before sunrise, and after sunset. This may prove difficult because my body is being really weird lately. The last few times I tried fasting, my blood sugar got too low and I became very weak, almost to the point of fainting. So we will see what happens.

Aino said:

Lent is almost here... Is anyone apart from me planning to give up anything for it?

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I love Lent. Ever since I became Anglican, it has been one of the most important times of year for me. I'm having trouble deciding on what to give up, so I might just spend less time watching TV. I need to spend more time with God every day. In addition to some fasting, I want to start praying through Morning and Evening prayer in the Book of Common Prayer (along with the Scripture readings for the day).

I haven't given up anything for Lent in years.

I've always given up something for Lent, just to challenge myself, but this will be the first year I do it as a Christian.

"There are spiritual aspects to it and everyone is encouraged to use the money they save/the extra time they have to put into doing good deeds and such but mostly it's just to remind us that Jesus fasted for 40 days and these things really are not necessary in our lives. The only necessary thing happens to be the Lord."

I think Curwhibble summed it up very nicely

So, I've decided what I'm giving up, and since I'm a new Christian, I'm going to use these 40 days to get more familiar with the Bible and spend more time with God.

I'm thinking about participating. I'm not sure what to give up though. Any ideas?

kaatieed said:

I've always given up something for Lent, just to challenge myself, but this will be the first year I do it as a Christian.

"There are spiritual aspects to it and everyone is encouraged to use the money they save/the extra time they have to put into doing good deeds and such but mostly it's just to remind us that Jesus fasted for 40 days and these things really are not necessary in our lives. The only necessary thing happens to be the Lord."

I think Curwhibble summed it up very nicely

So, I've decided what I'm giving up, and since I'm a new Christian, I'm going to use these 40 days to get more familiar with the Bible and spend more time with God.

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I didn't realize you were a new Christian..This should be super exciting for you! Hope you get loads out of it. =)

Keri said:

I'm thinking about participating. I'm not sure what to give up though. Any ideas?

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It'll be tough...but limit how much you day dream about me!

or seriously, what is something that takes away from God time? First thing you think of is probably a good bet on what you should give up. =)

I certainly will not be fasting as I am trying to get fit and need the nutrients. But I will make a real affort to give up chocolate, beer and late nights.

I've thought about fasting once a week through out lent but I don't think food is what keeping me away from God. I want to find out what is keeping me away from God. Its so irritating that my spirituality has a lot less to do with food and more to do with my own mindset. Thinking positively and such.

Perhaps I should give up contemplation.

BP ... the only thing lent means to me is that something has to be returned

this would be one of the many church traditions i do not participate in

K
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l0v3n said:

I've thought about fasting once a week through out lent but I don't think food is what keeping me away from God. I want to find out what is keeping me away from God. Its so irritating that my spirituality has a lot less to do with food and more to do with my own mindset. Thinking positively and such.

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You know, the reason we give up food during fasting isn't so much that it keeps us from God. Certainly there are those who over indulge, and treat it as a god. However, we fast away from something which sustains our natural being, so that in our weakness, while out flesh is crying out to be saved from its demise, we can completely silence it by enjoying the spiritual gifts that God has to offer us. I am not giving up food because it will make me more prayerful or anything. Instead, I am giving up, as I said, so that my flesh will be over powered, and the Spirit can work. This is how we grow and see more clearly through the lens of GOd.

I feel like a total heathen for having never celebrated Lent. But, I'm Protestant, so what can I say? I'm already a heathen to some.

leothelioness said:

I feel like a total heathen for having never celebrated Lent. But, I'm Protestant, so what can I say? I'm already a heathen to some.

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plenty of protestants celebrate it, actually. =)

But you're still a heathen.

Okay, non-Liturgical Protestant.

And it's good to know I'm still a heathen.

Come on, let's at least be politically correct here...

SHEathen