This Sunday, March 3, amidst the last gasps of winter, one-hour clock corrections, and resulting very low attendance, we observed the First Sunday in Lent. If you missed it, don’t worry, there are five more Sundays before Easter, so there is still plenty of time.
Lent is a season in which the Church invites us to a time of self-denial, prayer, reading of Scripture, and generosity. I would like to share about one tradition of generosity that we have had at CTR for many years, and to begin a discussion about the daily practices that take place in our homes.
Lent at CTR
We have an annual Lenten tradition, in which children are given Mite Boxes, that is, small boxes in which they can gather coins throughout the season. On Easter Sunday, these gifts are brought forward with the Sunday offering and sent to the Anglican Relief and Development Fund. Together with gifts from other Anglican churches throughout North America, this year’s gifts will go toward development work on behalf of children in Brazil. There is even a weekly prayer guide that briefly introduces some of the people impacted by that work, and invites prayer for them in particular ways. It can be accessed here.
Lent at Home
Lent can be a wonderful time for families and individuals to pray, give, and serve together in many different and special ways.
This year in our home, we are trying to introduce our children to a habit of reflection at the end of the day. Simple questions asked, maybe some quiet music sung or playing as we are given the chance to reflect: What was one moment today when you felt joyful? When you felt close to God? What happened in your day that you think God enjoyed?
But there are harder moments to remember too: What was one moment today when you felt sad or discouraged? When you felt far away from God? What happened in your day that grieved God?
And then, of course, the chance to respond: What do we want to say to God at the end of this day?
I don’t believe these questions should only be asked of our children. Though simple, the intention of these questions is to instill a habit of reflection—a spiritual practice that transcends age and that all of us can either strive to develop or seek to strengthen. Setting aside time at the end of a busy day, of creating intentional space where we can consider, notice, and be attentive to God can be difficult, whether that is individually or with a spouse or children. But it is important and, arguably, necessary in developing the habit of listening to our Lord’s voice.
I encourage you to use the weeks of this Lenten season as a time to draw closer to the Father. I encourage you to take time to reflect at the end of your day, simply asking, When did I feel close to God today? When did I feel far? What do I want to say to God at the end of this day? And in turn asking God, What do you want to say to me at the end of this day?
May we all learn this Lent to listen more attentively to the Father’s voice, and to learn to discern the movements of his Spirit in and around us.
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