by Stephanie Running

Each year we enter into the season of Lent. The tradition of Lent is to fast, give offerings, and pray excessively. Many Christians make a daily sacrifice in Lent. Some people give up eating meat, or having caffeine drinks or alcohol. The idea of self-sacrifice is meant to help people notice something more important than food, or drink. We remember that Jesus went to the wilderness for forty days without eating. 

There is another way to honor Lent. Instead of “giving up” something – or in addition to “giving up” something – you can ADD something. 

Every day of Lent can be a time of new options. Our Redeemer’s will provide a daily email devotion. There will be a Bible Verse, a Word for the Day, a Question, and a Prayer. These will not be long. But you may spend all day thinking about these things, if you choose. 

The next steps, if you have time or energy, is to: Take a picture of something you discover that goes with the Bible Verse or Word. Do some exercises while thinking of the Question or Prayer. Cook something and give it away. Make a card or write a letter and send it to someone who needs to hear from you. Watch a really inspiring movie* or listen to wonderful music**. Take time to rest. As a challenge, write a better HAIKU than the one I wrote about Lent:

 Prayer and Fasting

 Generosity Abounds

 For God’s sake and mine.

Look for your devotional emails during Lent. To make sure you’re on the mailing list, email communications@ourredeemers.net and let us know you want to be included.

*Movies I like: Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, The King of Hearts, Brother Sun Sister Moon, Babette’s Feast, Tender Mercies, Camelot, or Lilies of the Field.

**Music I like to hear: Handel’s Messiah, Cat Stevens’ “Tea for the Tillerman” and “Buddha and the Chocolate Box” albums, Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Requiem, Faure’s Requiem, (any Requiem).