February 26, Ash Wednesday, marked the beginning of the season of Lent, a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. Ash Wednesday emphasizes two themes: our sinfulness before God and our human mortality. The service focuses on both themes, helping us realize that both have triumphed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In earlier centuries, people were sprinkled with ashes as a sign of sorrow for their sins and their commitment to seek renewal in Christian life through this season. You can read more about it here.
The season of Lent is 40-days (not counting Sundays) of prayer and preparation in which we, as followers of Jesus, are invited to consider anew the disciplines and practices that we employ in our daily lives to help us in becoming better disciples.
This year I am following Sarah Bessey’s 40 Simple Practices of Lent. Sarah gives you practical, easy things to do each day. Here is a beautiful printable to keep handy.
Here is today’s practice:
Day Two: Download an app like The Bible App or pick up a prayer book like Eastertide by Phyllis Tickle and begin to pray in the morning, midday, and evening. Do this throughout Lent.
Another book I am reading during Lent is Annie F. Down’s Looking for Lovely: Collecting the Moments That Matter.
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
Thank you! I’m going to get the two books!
I’m so glad to hear this. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Be sure to let me know what you thought about the books and how your Lenten experience went. Kind regards, Melissa