There is no single way to journey through Lent. We
know our destination— the glorious resurrection of Christ and joy that is
Easter. And we also know that following the footsteps of
Jesus will take us through places of deep searching and
self-examination. Yet the way we travel this road is as
personal as the insights we'll find during this six weeks of looking
inward, taking stock and reflecting on what is holding us apart from God's
embrace.
explorefaith offers here some travelers assistance: A daily Signpost,
offered online and via e-mail; a Lenten toolbox filled with reflections and
questions to help you move forward; quotes of great insight and inspiration on a
daily calendar; and a modern-day examination of some of Lent's ancient
practices. These offerings and others can be used as equipment—the maps, guide
books, walking shoes and compass that will keep you headed in the right
direction.
A trip that begins on Ash Wednesday will not be easy. Yet the difficult terrain of this journey is always followed by rebirth and renewal. Beginning with the Ash Wednesday reflections, use the material below to travel with great care and anticipation.
Ash Wednesday: Remember that You Are Dust
On this first day of Lent, we pause to take stock of ourselves and how we can draw closer to God. Here's a look at Ash Wednesday, what it means, and why it's such an important day for Christians.
A New Take on Six Ancient Practices
In six thoughtful essays, Paula Huston looks deeply at the spiritual practices of solitude, silence, fasting, chastity, right livelihood and spiritual confidence, and makes a convincing case that they help us remove those barriers that separate us from God and substitute what is spiritually healthy.
A Quote-a-Day Lenten Calendar
Using this calendar is another way to observe Lent with
intention and presence. Each day is devoted to reflections on Lenten
themes: stillness, examination, attention, prayer, suffering, hope, and new
life. As you use the quotes also keep in mind three things to help you develop interior peace: live attentively, learn to let go, develop intimacy with God.
Journaling During Lent
Lent is a time to look seriously and intentionally at our lives— who we have been, who we are, and who we are becoming. Journaling is a way for us to embody this intention, because it gives us an environment for delving deeply into the bottomless well of our souls.
Signpost: Daily Devotions
Daily devotions featuring scripture, reflections, and a short closing prayer.
Lenten Toolbox
Rather than viewing Lent as a season of drab and dreary self-examination and
sacrifice that waters down its spiritual potency, we might see it as a time
offered to us each year simply to sort things out.
Lenten Blessings
When the days of Lent are watched with care and openness, blessings emerge that might
never have been expected.
The Cry of the Prophet
Forgiveness
- Growth in Love
