Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, a time to humble ourselves before God, remembering
we are dust without God’s Spirit breathed into us.
Pancake Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday) proceeds Ash Wednesday in order to empty the
food cupboard, so you can fast (at least that is how it started). “Shrove” means to
confess to God and rid yourself of things that might hold you back, like regret or
shame. Repenting or confessing allows you to start fresh.
40 Days and Nights.
Jesus spent 40 days and nights in the wilderness, fasting and being tempted. Many
Christians try to be like Christ and do the same. The 40 days before Easter was a time
for preparing yourself through study and cleansing rituals in order to be baptised
(when joining the Church) and take communion.
There are three main activities during the 40 days of Lent, and they are: Praying,
Giving Alms, and Fasting.
Praying is about spending more time with God by talking to God, listening to God, reading
about God.
Giving “alms” is giving help to others, being generous. There are many ways to give others, not just giving money.
For example, you could do one of the following things on each of the 40 days of Lent:
Do someone else’s chore
Give someone a hug
Smile at as many people as you can
Help someone
Do something nice for family, friends
Say something kind to a family member or friend
Invite someone different to coffee/tea or to go on a walk
Set aside some of your own money for giving to a charity or food for the foodbank
Tell someone one thing you like about them
Make a card or craft for someone
Fasting is about giving up something to have more time to spend with God
Some Christians give up eating a meal or meals on a particular day.
Others give up eating sweets or something they like to eat during Lent.
Fasting is about making more time for God in your life.
Instead of playing games/reading, watching TV, spend some time with God by praying or giving help to someone (see above).
Dear God, Thank You that You are loving and forgiving. Help us to love people in the same way as You have loved us. Help us to pray and do good things for others during Lent because we love You. Amen.
Grace and peace,
Kevin
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