Lenten Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines are regularly spoken about during Lent. Reflecting on trying to do something, or give something up all surrounding the question, “What should I do for Lent?”
Doing something is helpful and will immerse you in the history of our faith. But understanding the why will help shape your choice as to what to do and will also help you stick with it. Are you seeking to feel more connected to God, to strengthen your faith by heightening your awareness of God in each day or to open yourself up to allow God to change you?
Why are you feeling called to a greater discipline? This will guide your choice. In Lent we often talk about participating in the suffering of Jesus. This has led to the tradition of “giving something up” for Lent. Our suffering connects us, in even the smallest way, to Jesus’ suffering. This will be a focus in worship at Sheridan this year. Jesus is our “suffering servant.”
You may also wish to “do something more,” in addition to giving something up. For example, you may wish to spend more time in prayer, increase your financial giving or share yourself with another person.
In his timeless classic, “A Celebration of Discipline,” Richard Foster categorizes spiritual disciplines in the following way: Inward Disciplines (prayer, meditation, fasting and study); Outward Disciplines (simplicity, solitude, submission and service); and Corporate Disciplines (confession, worship, guidance and celebration). This Lent, you are invited to spend time figuring out why you want to engage in a spiritual discipline and what that discipline might be. Members of your pastoral staff are willing to listen and guide you, as you have need.
Ideas to Grow Spiritually this Lent
What Lenten spiritual disciplines are right for you? In addition to making the commitment to daily prayer and worship; consider making two or three of these things the norm for life, you will continue to grow in faith.
• Use the weekly devotional from Sheridan to guide you through intentional faith practices in this season. This resource can be found in the pew rack or on the table outside of OneSent.
• If you choose to “give something up,” give something up that would cause you some portion of struggle that would lead to some other good thing. For example, giving up your daily trip to the coffee shop and then to give away the money you would have spent on a specialty beverage ($4.50 x 40 days = $180).
• You may wish to choose a healthy habit for yourself, so that you are “doing your best for God.”
Whatever you find nurtures your soul the most, strive for that. The goal for Lent is to grow closer to God through walking with Jesus.