Lent

Having grown up in a Southern Baptist church, I really never heard anything about Lent until I was in college. I must have met a few friends who practiced this tradition. I'm not sure if I even have the whole take on it, but I'm choosing to practice it my own way this year. Which makes it sound like I'm developing my own cult. Umm, not so much. But it's still always a good idea to be careful when drinking my coffee.

Anyway, here's what I'm thinking: I love the idea of being more deliberate in my reflections on the crucifixion and resurrection prior to the weekend of Easter. I mean, I probably think about some aspect of Christ's death and sacrifice almost daily. But I question if I am really seeking His heart, His purpose, and His voice in relation to His death as often as I should. As Rick Warren would tell, 40 days is a perfect, Biblical time frame for a journey. So, as of yesterday, I am off to travel a forty day journey with my Savior!

I know people frequently give up something to honor Christ's sacrifice during Lent. I also know that our pitiful "sacrifices" in no way compare to Christ's. Gracious, His original sacrifice was simply choosing to take human form. As one website I was reading puts it, "we take on particular disciplines—fasting, prayer, service—in order to repent and conform ourselves more closely to the life and death of Christ, all the while recognizing that Christ has already come to us before we sought him." Anyway, this year I've chosen to give up sweet desserts. It's not very original, but in addition to removing calories I really don't need, I like the idea of "freeing" that time, which I will spend in specific daily prayer. Here's what I'm planning on:

Sunday - praying for the persecuted church in various Muslim countries such as Sudan, Pakistan, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and North Korea

Monday - praying for my "enemies" - especially those that I have felt most hurt by - thanking God for that person and asking His blessing for them

Tuesday - praying for our troops around the world

Wednesday - praying for our political leaders at the local, state, and national levels

Thursday - thanking God for where His presence is most discerned in my life and repenting for the places where I've strayed

Friday - praying specifically for those I know are unbelievers

Saturday - reflecting on scripture detailing the period of time before, during, and after the crucifixion and resurrection

By the way, I am not sharing these thoughts to pat myself on the back. Heavens to Betsy, I need more repentance than I do "Atta Girl!"s. But I am excited about this process and look forward to where it takes me in the next few weeks. Please pray for me, and you can be sure that I will be praying for you, too.