SPIRITUAL PRACTICES AND ACTIVITIES FOR LENT

• Create a “Photo-a-Day Prayer Journal” this Lent. Each
day snap a photo with your Smartphone or tablet of
something you are praying for – it could be a photo
of the headlines from the day’s paper, someone you’re
with, or even a photo of photos of family and friends.
Look through your photos throughout Lent to remind
you of those things you want to lift up in prayer.
Or take a photo each day of something or someone
you "treasure"--this is something we considered as 
we worshiped together on Ash Wednesday. 

• Symbols of the journey.  Using 7.5 cm/3 inch by 12.5 cm/5 inch index cards, string, paperclips or clothespins/spring clothes pegs, and crayons and markers, create a string of images that symbolize each week’s scripture story or the Season of Lent. Hang these images somewhere everyone in your family or group will see them. Add to the string of images each week. If you prefer, include a word or phrase
that resonates with you from the bible stories.

• Dedicate 30 minutes each week – or even each day! – to
group or family time for personal reflection. Gather as a
family (or group) for this time, but allow individuals to find
their own comfortable space for reflection. To focus your
reflection time you might pick a word or phrase like “sacrifice” or “walking in the light” or use the scripture for
the week (or a verse or two from it). Play quiet instrumental
music or even light a few candles as you begin your reflection time. When the time has ended, come back together and ask for a volunteer to pray to close your time together.

• Each week during Lent, read Matthew 4:1–11 – the story
of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Spend some time
reflecting and writing in your journal about the temptations
you face in your own life. Each week, choose something to fast from (challenge yourself and choose something you think you can’t live without). When you feel tempted, return to God and your journal – reflect on the struggles you’re having and remember your dependency on God during this time.

• In an effort to simplify, give away things you don’t need.
Give everyone in your family or group one (or more)
garbage or grocery bag and ask them to fill these during
Lent. You might add a specific social justice theme
to your giving (for example, give away items of clothing
that were made in countries where there is a proliferation
of child labour in sweat shops).

• Eat simply this Lent and commit to cooking and/or consuming food that you’d consider “minimal” compared
to your normal meals. Here are a few ideas: Commit to
eating a simple soup and bread dinner two–three (or
more) times each week. Fast from fast food and takeout
this Lent – prepare your own meals and your own
lunch. Only cook/eat foods that are in season (maybe
only what’s available a your local farmer’s market). If
any of these seem too daunting for 40 days – try one
day each week. You might also add a practice of “giving”
to eating simply and prepare twice as much food
as you need for a meal and share it with another family
or someone in need in your congregation.

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2013 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Lent • Easter 2014, pp. 14, 15