Lenten Giving Up or Giving To?

“You who dwell in the shelter of our God, who abide in this shadow for life,

 say to the Lord, My refuge, my Rock in whom I trust”

Psalm 91

            As we enter our Lenten journey it is important to remember why we do the things we do. Why does Tim Horton’s “Roll up the Rim” contest take place during Lent every year? Over twenty years ago sales for sweets from their bakery line went down during the month of February and March because of Lent and to get people to buy during this time they started the contest. People gave up something they enjoyed and it affected business.  

Yet what is involved in our observance of Lent may not be regarded as giving up something, but giving to others in new ways. During Lent we are called to look at ourselves in light of God’s relationship with us and our relationship with God. Lent is a time to acknowledge and respond to God’s offer to dwell in our hearts. It is a time to pour energy into increasing our awareness of God’s presence with us, no matter what the circumstances of our lives.  

What is your prayer as we begin Lent? It could be to ask God to open your hearts and increase your awareness of the Holy Spirit. This might even mean to ask God to increase our courage as we respond to the needs of others . But we must learn to listen for GOd’s voice as our relationships unfold. We need to seek and expect God’s presence, guidance and protection, while being continually grateful for the work of God in our lives. Are we willing and committed to doing this during this Lenten season?

 

PRAYER:

God help each of us to experience your protection and enable us to be more aware of your Spirit. Show us your grace in the words and wonder of all that we see and experience. Let our Lenten journey bring us closer to knowing Jesus as human and as your Son. Amen.      

BLOG QUESTION: How have you experienced the Holy Spirit in recent days? How confident are you that the Spirit is with you in your daily journey? Does having and knowing that the Spirit is with you help or hinder your life? click on comments to add your own comment.