Traditionally people choose to give up something during Lent. This season of sacrifice or self-denial allows followers of Jesus to focus more intentionally on spiritual matters. Any temporary change in our regular habits can help us pay more attention to God. When we give up something, we replace it with a time of prayer, meditation, service, or scripture reading.
With that in mind, here is a list of suggestions for ways to experience Lent.
Fast from:
- sweets
- beef
- pork
- chicken
- fast food
- all food one day/week
- coffee
- caffeine
Abstain from:
- social media
- television
- favorite TV show
- Netflix and all streaming
- TV sports (beware March Madness...)
- certain phone apps
Other ideas:
- quietly watch the sun rise every day
- eat only rice for lunch (the primary food for much of the world's population)
- read two chapters of the Gospels daily, to read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John by Easter
- study 30 minutes a day to learn something that equips you to build the kingdom
- treat someone else instead of treating yourself (e.g. buy coffee for someone else, not yourself)
- write a letter every day to someone you want to catch up with
Remember that your Lent observance should be a stretch. It should be something that is a challenge for you. You can keep this practice up for 40 days, but not probably not forever.
Lent is a spiritual interval when you stretch and grow closer to the Lord. Get ready for Easter.
