The purpose of any penance is to restore our relationship with God.
For any big event that we know is coming up in our lives we prepare for it. We take time out of our ordinary day to think about it, plan and get ready. Lent is the time each year when we are gifted 40 days to prepare ourselves for Easter. It is a time of truth when we are able to take a look at ourselves, and our priorities and to see if they are in line with God's priorities for us, and the way of life that God knows will bring us fulfilment and peace.
Lent is like a 'second chance' each year to try and realign ourselves and to get back on the right track, and to check that the path we are on is towards God.
Lent is like a 'second chance' each year to try and realign ourselves and to get back on the right track, and to check that the path we are on is towards God.
Traditionally the Church has always encouraged us to pray, to fast and to give during the season of Lent.
These practices are tools to help help us examine our lives and to work out where our motivation and focus is.
PRAYER:
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Sometimes we forget that prayer is our connection to God, and in our busy lives we think we don't have time to add more into our days. But during Lent you may like to try some small prayers that can become part of your day.
Before you get out of bed try, 'God be with me today in my thoughts, in my words and in my actions and may my heart be focussed on you.' When someone annoys you or you feel frustrated your prayer may be, 'God give me patience and understanding'. When someone does something for you, you may pray 'Thank you God for generous hearts'. Finally at night as you close your eyes you may finish the day with thanks for everything that has happened and for the people you have met - bring to mind your whole day and the people and things that have been part of it. If you do this daily before long you will realise just how close you are to God who loves you. |
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FASTING:Fasting is not just about food. During lent you could try fasting from gossip, or spreading rumours or making judgements of people. You may also like to abstain from listening to the 'destructive' inner voice that chips away at your self-belief, and instead replace it with positive self-affirming statements.
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GIVING:
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In our world today we are often so caught up in doing that we forget to just "be". The pressure around us often encourages us to succeed no matter what!
Give encouragement to those who are needing a boost, give time to someone who is lonely or stuck in a hospital or in a rest home. Give your brothers and sisters time by playing a game with them or helping them with their homework. Give someone your ear for a moment to really listen to what they are saying instead of thinking about the next thing you need to do. Give your life to God each morning, trusting that God will provide. Give freely your smiles and during Lent this year give freely of your love too. |
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