Beneath the traditional Lenten practices (fasting, prayer, and service) runs a fundamental assumption - life can change. We can free ourselves from that which binds us down and leads us to discouragement.
Spending time together as a couple or as a family for even a few minutes each day during Lent can reap a lifetime of benefits. We hope the following Lenten ideas will assist you in finding strength and peace during this time of hope as you take a Journey to Freedom.
| "Beneath the traditional Lenten practices runs a fundamental assumption - life can change. " |
Traditionally Christians have celebrated the last days before Ash Wednesday in a carnival type of spirit - a final fling before a time of self-discipline and penance.
An inexpensive, yet fun way to celebrate "Fat Tuesday" or "Shrove Tuesday" is to eat pancakes for dinner. Or have an evening of "Decadent Desserts".
Mardi Gras in the south usually ends with a ceremony called "burying the sardine" which is really the burial of a strip of meat to symbolize the end of the festivities. Choose a portion of your favorite food to bury in symbol on Shrove Tuesday evening.
The Catholic church has the custom of not speaking or singing the word "Alleluia" during Lent. "Alleluia" is one of the church’s favorite words because it expresses joy, gives praise and can be sung easily. Not using the word "Alleluia" during Lent is like putting away a favorite toy for awhile - to appreciate it better later. If you have a CD or tape of the "Alleluia", play it one last time, then wrap up the CD or tape and tie it with a purple bow (purple is the color of penance) and don’t play it again until Easter Sunday.
A Sampling of Sacrifices
Daily bread? The Eucharist, if at all possible. No other Lenten sacrifice approaches this.
Say grace before and after each meal you share as a couple or family together.
Lights out at least half an hour earlier than usual each Lenten evening. Or arise half an hour earlier each Lenten morning.
Choose and read new bedtime stories to a younger brother or sister, or a couple can read a chapter from a book about marriage.
Begin a steady regime of scripture reading each day.
Nothing new for Easter until all the old clothes have been tried on, decided on, and if not keeping, passed on to others.
Early spring is the traditional make new, clean up time in a lot of homes. Such a renewal is very becoming to Lent. Let each person be responsible for straightening dresser drawers, cleaning their own closet, dusting the door top, scrubbing the window sill - all extra cleaning projects of the season.
Make each Friday night a time as a family to play a game or learn a new card or board game. Couples could also make one night a week a "date" night.
Become more silent during Lent by becoming conscious of things like slamming doors, noisy appliances, etc. Create a quiet hour each day at home - no TV, no radio, no stereo, etc., when each person tries to make peace and quiet for the other.
First Week of Lent
Second Week of Lent
Third Week of Lent
Fourth Week of Lent
Fifth Week of Lent
Sixth Week of Lent - Holy Week
Stations of the Cross
Family Seder Meal
Have ideas you want to share? Write us.