Spend time with God

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Whether you are taking on a spiritual practice, or abstaining from something for the 40 days of lent, the season is about spending more time with God so that we can share Christ's love with others. Our Ash Wednesday service invites the church to self examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, self denial, reading and meditating on scripture, or alms giving. (Book of Common Prayer p. 265) That list is offered to the whole church; I would encourage choosing one thing to adhere or holdfast to during the entire season. When you miss a day, or fall off your practice, simply start fresh the next day. 

Often times we try to take on too many things at once, or feel shame when we stray from our practice. The point of the season is not to try to earn God's love or blessing, we have already been given that by virtue of our existence and Christ's sacrifice for the whole world. In the knowledge of God's love for us then, this season is a time to clear our some of the clutter and noise of life, and spend time intentionally with God. God who loves us is always ready go spend time with us; the practices like reading, meditating, and prayer help hold our attention toward God, and away from our so-many-distractions. 

I asked one of our bishops about her prayer life, and she said, "I practice a form of body prayer that looks a lot like running." I have followed her lead, and when I go for a run or walk, I make it a time of prayer, and often repeat a prayer. I even created a light weight knotted rope to use as a rosary or prayer beads to help my mind stay on my prayer. Simply going for a walk each morning and praying in some way while you walk can be a transformative lenten practice. 

Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness and faced the temptation of the Devil. Afterward, he was crystal clear about how he was to be the Messiah. Not in with greed or selfishness, not seeking power over others nor political might, but by inviting people into a new way of life by being in loving relationship with them. The love of Christ is here for us, and we get to share that love with others. Lent is a season to practice spending time with God, so that we can share Christ's love with others. 

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