Practicing Lent - First Week
During this year's season of Lent, Church of the Redeemer is using a devotional from Salt Project called, “Practicing Lent.” Below you will see their suggested practices for this week, designed to deepen your journey through these 40 days of lengthening light. Practice them alone, or with a partner, friends, or family, sharing experiences and insights as you travel. If you would like to have a printed copy of these practices, you will find them in the library with our other Lenten resources.
First Week in Lent
READ
Matthew 4:1-11
MEDITATE
Jesus answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
PRACTICE
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller
This week, focus on our most basic routines: eating, drinking, and washing. Try a new pattern of life for a day, a week, or the whole Lenten season. For example, adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet, with every bite reducing suffering and caring for creation. Or, whenever you wash your face, your body, the dishes – whenever you encounter water, intentionally recall the waters of baptism. Remember Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan, and hear again God’s voice proclaiming the truth of the Gospel to you: “You are my beloved, in whom I am well pleased."
Whatever new pattern you choose, let your goal be to bring to your life a fresh mindfulness of God’s tender presence all around.
