So how are those New Year’s resolutions going?
I hope you’ve accomplished whatever it is you purposed to do by the end of the year’s first quarter, gone wild visiting friends and family again, and fostered or given a pound puppy or kitten a fur-ever home.
However those winter resolutions are going—good, bad, or ugly—you’ve probably noticed Spring and Easter are now around the corner. Tomorrow begins what followers of Jesus around the world call the season of Lent. The 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday.
Some churches observe the Lenten season with special services and other observances—some don’t. Whatever your traditions, this is a time to repent (feel or express sincere regret or remorse about wrongdoing or sin) and remember all Jesus has done for us through His life, death, and resurrection. It’s a time to ponder and pray.
Knowing what to pray through Lent can be a challenge. Here’s an easy to follow idea from the folks at Guideposts. Choose a single word to pray every day over the next 40 days.
What word should you choose? That’s up to you, of course, but here are some suggestions:
1) Goodness
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6, KJV)
2) Purify
“Create in me a pure heart, O God.” (Psalm 51:10, NIV)
3) Renew
“Renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10b, NIV)
4) Hope
“That you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NIV)
5) Quiet
“Quiet! Be still!” (Mark 4:39, NIV)
6) Thanks
“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, NKJV)
7) Love
“The fruit of the Spirit is love.” (Galatians 5:22, NIV)
Alternate the seven words above, using a different one each day, all the way to Easter.
As you “carry” the word with you throughout the day and reflect on it, you will be surprised to see how God is working in your life in big or small ways.
Will you encounter the word on a billboard, in an email, or in a conversation? Each word will serve as a marvelous reminder of how persistently and sweetly God is reaching out to you.
You’ll be amazed by God’s powerful impact on your life and on your relationship with Him day by day, word by word.
What words will you be praying through Lent?
