Praying and living the Lenten season
It's a common practice to "give things up" for Lent. But when we give up something we desire, we create an empty space in our minds and hearts that is ready to be filled by something else. We have an opportunity to replace something we desire with something God desires--caring for the poor, praying more, developing new forms of loving behavior.
Give yourself and each household member an index card. Either divide the card into 6 weeks or, better, use a new card each week. Invite everyone to write on one side what they want to give up to create space for something new, an don the other side what they want to fill the space with.
For example, giving up calories by fasting creates a space for feeling a little of the hunger that haunts millions of the world’s poor. The money we save from fasting can also be donated to groups that help feed the hungry. Giving up some television time as a household creates space for spending time together in conversation, prayer, or even playing games. Giving up an attitude of complaining makes space for a more cooperative approach to fixing dinners or doing chores.
When everyone is finished, take the cards and place them in the center of the dinner table or in your household Lenten prayer space. Light a candle and pray together:
God, giver of all gifts.
You have given us so much.
Now we want to give up something
so that we might experience
the emptiness that reminds us
how much we want to be filled
by your loving presence.
May our sacrifice show our willingness
to change our lives this Lent.
Amen.
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This content was originaly published in the 2011-2012 Living with Christ Sunday Missal.
Living with Christ is the sister publication of RTJ's Creative Catechist. Click here to visit Living with Christ online
