Lent is almost here...

[Jared R]

To help inspire the rest of us, will anyone share how they plan to observe Lent this year (or maybe how you've observed it in the past)? I'm kind of stumped this year.

 

[Stabat Mater dolorosa]

Praying for the church cause this particular lent and the Easter that follows will be of significant importance perhaps the most significant one in a thousand years.

 

[Sword of the Lord]

No television.
No politics.
No Facebook.
No pop, sweets.
No (stop) smoking.
No pool.
No (stop) swearing.
Make every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday Divine Service.
Complete fast on Wednesdays (with exception of water of course).
Actually keep the no meat on Fridays fast.
Read the entirety of the NT in a translation I haven't read yet.
1,000 Jesus Prayers a day (min) for me, a sinner, and 1,000 more said on behalf of others, minus the sinner part.
Help at least one random stranger a day, whether it be labor, giving to the needy, advice, sharing my story with someone in AA etc.

That's what I have so far. I'm going to push my limits and truly test myself a draw closer to God.

 

[Michie]

You're booked!

 

[Sword of the Lord]

You're booked!

Not really. It takes 2.5 hours for 2,000 Jesus Prayers. I'll need to read 6 chapters per day, which takes 1 hour. The "No's" and fasting is just discipline.

 

[Michie]

Good luck!

 

[FoundInGrace]

What are Jesus Prayers?

 

[Sword of the Lord]

What are Jesus Prayers?

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

 

[eastcoast_bsc]

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

I was warned not to say this prayer without supervision and guidance. Lol

I had mentioned a prayer rope and the discussion morphed. I think it was a few Orthodox being dramatic.

 

[Sword of the Lord]

I was warned not to say this prayer without supervision and guidance. Lol

I had mentioned a prayer rope and the discussion morphed. I think it was a few Orthodox being dramatic.

Yep. But then you read online about their own priests saying it's wonderful that non-Orthodox are using the rope and prayer. The laity can be funny about these things. Sometimes I get the impression that they think the prayer belongs to them because they use it the most.

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

How many of us are going to give up CF for Lent? That might be a true test of obedience to the Lord?

 

[Sword of the Lord]

How many of us are going to give up CF for Lent? That might be a true test of obedience to the Lord?

Not really. CF is where we can glorify him and post our progress.

 

[Miss Shelby]

I am making the effort to pray for my enemies, especially those in political power. This would include Putin and other foreign govt govt heads. And of course those here at home. That Gods will be done and hearts are softened. Also I pray for my personal adversaries that they be blessed. Also daily meditatio of th 23 psalm. I intend to do this every day during lent.

 

[FoundInGrace]

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Thanks

 

[Davidnic]

How many of us are going to give up CF for Lent? That might be a true test of obedience to the Lord?

One member used to do that every lent. He always did it too.

 

[Michie]

I thought this might be of interest.

http://taylormarshall.com/2017/02/3-reasons-lent-determines-happiness-year-round.html

 

[Jared R]

At church yesterday there was a representative from Food for the Poor. I think I'm going to cut back on how often I get fast food and coffee and donate the money I save.

 

[Michie]

At church yesterday there was a representative from Food for the Poor. I think I'm going to cut back on how often I get fast food and coffee and donate the money I save.

 

[Michie]

Ugh. My signal. Here's another.
Suggested Lenten reading for 2017

 

[Fantine]

I will, of course, continue the 100 days of prayer for our country, using the Sisters of Mercy's intention calendar. It's interesting that 100 days brings us all through Lent--all the way to April 30.

https://www.sistersofmercy.org/file...-100-Days-Prayer-Calendar--February-15-28.pdf

Today's intention: That refugees be resettled based on vulnerability and need, not rejected based on nationality or religion.

I am going to attend a class on the psalms, and go to the ecumenical Lenten luncheons each week. We are having a World Day of Prayer in early March.

My fairly small parish has just started a choir--one of my favorite things about getting ready for Holy Days is the music, so this is exciting for me.

Personally, I am going through a step study at Celebrate Recovery (a Christian recovery program for all hurts, hangups, and bad habits...) and we are about to embark on working on the fourth step--that will require a lot of reflection and soul searching, and I think Lent is a good time for that.

As Tom Booth sings in "Change Me," "Change me, Lord, and I will change the world." (See below).