"Lent is a season of intense prayer, fasting and concern for those in need. It offers all Christians an opportunity to prepare for Easter by serious discernment about their lives, with particular attention to the word of God which enlightens the daily journey of all who believe.
There are many different ways of giving up things you love and trying harder to maintain things that you need to keep."
-Pope St. John Paul II, Lent 2003
Lent is the perfect season for that; it is the time to truly reflect on who we are in God, and what he wants for us in our lives. One of the best-and simplest-ways to do this is through prayer.
As St. Therese of Lisieux once wrote:
“For me prayer is an aspiration of the heart, it is a simple glance directed toward heaven, it is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy”
Lent can be a tough time for people, and I am no exception. I usually give up small things, such as sweets, but it is also the time for me to stop procrastinating or just being purely lazy. There are a lot of ways I can think of when it comes to participating in this Lenten sacrificial journey, so here's some ideas that you might want to use, too:
>>Praying a Rosary every day.
>>Donating time to a local pregnancy center or homeless shelter.
>>Going through your closet and donating the many things you never/hardly wear
>>Having a Mass said for someone.
>>Praying the Divine Office, even just Morning & Night Prayer.
>>Abstaining from something you would normally use everyday, like a microwave or blow dryer. Taking the time to slow down gives you more opportunities to review and reflect.
>>Say hello to the homeless person you walk by everyday. If they ask for money, offer to get them coffee and/or food instead. They'll usually be shocked and grateful.
>>Go to daily Mass. This one makes a BIG difference, which is something I noticed when I started going at school every day.
>>Smile more. This one seems hard, but smiling not only makes you happier, it also makes others happy when they see you!
>>Make a gratitude journal, and write about one thing you are grateful for. You will be able to look back and remember everything you have to be thankful for!
| These are just a few, simple ideas, but they are things that may inspire you to try out your own! Have a blessed Lenten Season!  |
| Photo: lifeteen.com |
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