Day 36 - Holy Week - March 18

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. O, LORD my strength and my redeemer.

Opening Prayer

Father God. I just thank you for being who you are and sending your son. I thank you Lord and I praise you because you are worthy to be praised.

Just Think ...

Who are we to Judge Judas. Judas did what he had to do and what he was supposed to do, That was his purpose. had it now been for Judas would things have been the same? We deny Jesus every day. And for what purpose? We have no purpose for denying him. Our denying Jesus serves no purpose for his gglory.


Today's Scripture
Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 71:1- 17; I Corithians 1:18 - 31; John 12:20-36; John 13:21-33, 36-38

Meditation

Why is it so hard for me to forgive my self when Jesus paid it all. I just keep throwing stuff in the Father's face andhe does not even know what i am taking about.

Today's Daily Reflection

Though I thought I had toiled in vain,and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength,Yet my reward is with the LORD,my recompense is with my God.

The reflections from Oraying Lent are always sooo deep anda I alway agree with them. I am ready fro Easter. But I am not. I struggled some through this Season. I did not doo all that I was supposed to and I still am not. However, God sees my heart and he know all about my struggles.

"I, too, know what is to come and see the beginnings played out around the table. I feel His sadness at knowing the betrayals of Judas and Peter, yet he is still patient with the apostles, who, at this point always seem to me to be so oblivious to what’s going on. Haven’t they been following this man? Haven’t they been listening? I realize that I, too, am dim. I would like to think that I would get it, that I wouldn’t be Peter. Those same questions can be asked of me: Haven’t I been following this man? Haven’t I been listening?

I know that God won’t abandon me, that I have not toiled in vain. My prayer today is to ask God to open my eyes, my ears and my heart. Help me to be brave, to be strong and to be there for others. "

Intercession Lord, Have mercy on me.

Closing Prayer -God of such unwavering love, how do I "celebrate" the passion and death of Jesus? I often want to look the other way and not watch, not stay with Jesus in his suffering. Give me the strength to see his love with honesty and compassion and to feel deeply your own forgiveness and mercy for me. Help me to understand how to "celebrate" this week. I want be able to bring my weaknesses and imperfections with me as I journey with Jesus this week, so aware of his love.

I thank God for another day. I love you Lord

DAY 35 - Holy Week - March 17

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. O, LORD my strength and my redeemer.

Opening Prayer

Lord, make me strong where I am weak. Increase me where I need increase. Decrease me where I need decrease.

In Jeus name Amen.

Today's Scripture

Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 36:5-11; Heb 9:11-15; John 12:1-11
Isaiah 42:1-7; Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14; John 12:1-11

Meditation

Per Praying Lent:

Whatever we do today, we might memorize the simple Opening Prayer and personalize it, asking for the strength we need, the protection we depend upon, for our journey ahead.

I have called you for the victory of justice. I have grasped you by the hand. I formed you and set you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness. Isaiah 42

Today's Daily Reflection

I did much better this year than in the past. I was 95% following. I comptlepating God's goodness more and appriated it more. Rading the Lenten scripture has really prepared me for the tomb.

Closing Prayer - God of Love, Joseph was the husband of Mary, and you entrusted Jesus to his care. I am inspired by his fidelity and integrity as your self-sacrificing servant. Allow Joseph to offer strength, courage, fidelity and tender self-less love to all husbands. Let this holy family renew in me the desire to be your servant, faithful in the vocation you have given me..

I thank God for another day. I love you Lord

First day of Holy Week _ March 16

I am on my way to the foot of the cross. This is my journey this week. However that s not how the story ends. Sunday is coming. No matter what happens this week, I will try to remember what week it is and what my Savior went through, he was humble and knew how to be quiet. I should continue this through out life. Not just this week.

Opening Prayer
Lord, I just want to start by saying that I love you. I thank you for what you did for me, Lord. Help me this week to be humble in very way. My thoughts . My speech, my attitude towards others.

Jesus Christ is my Savior as a model of humility. He fulfilled your will by becoming one of us and giving his life on the cross. Help us to bear witness to you by following his example of suffering and make us worthy to share in his resurrection. Lord, I am not worthy and sometime ai walk around here like the world is mine when it infact is your. Lord, have mercy on me.


Today's Scripture

Isaiah 50:4-9; Psalm 31:9-16; Phil 2:5-11; Luke 22:14-23:56
Matthew 21:1-11. Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22:8-9,17-20, 23-24; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14-74 ,Matthew 27

Meditation

Right now all I can say is WOW ! After reading the scripture. What Jesus went through and how humbel he was.

For a closer union with Jesus in his humility, in his suffering.

This Sunday we hold palm branches in our hands, and wave them to greet our Lord's entry into the city of our salvation. Last year's palms were burned to form the ashes that marked our foreheads to begin this Lenten journey.

We can place these palm branches - perhaps from each member of the family - in a special place in our home (maybe cutting a small piece and putting it some place where I work).
Each day this week they can represent our celebration of his love for me. That symbol can say so many words - all that I am about to celebrate and accept as love for me, and all the entry into Jerusalem experiences in my life.

Today's Daily Reflection

We can see several things that relate to us today. There were 2 crowds on Palm Sunday. One parade leads into Jerusalem with Jesus’ being welcomed and proclaimed. The other pictures Jesus leaving Jerusalem days later in disgrace and abandoned. The Liturgy of palms and the liturgy of The Passion bespeaks the duality of our human response to God through out history; sometimes we allow him in and other times we push him away.

Jesus was submissive as I should be.

Jesus lived hisi own way and never harmed anyone according to Isa.

“Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Phil.2

When Jesus spoke it was never in retaliation. It was only in truth.

Closing Prayer - It's true. I am just realizing how much you loved me Lord. I mean I knew. but did I really know? You gave us your son. He suffered with me an for me. That was my sin on that cross. Jesus paid it all. All to him I owe. I could never repay it. Loed be with me. Lord help me to be humble. i want my light to shine

I thank God for another day. I love you Lord

Personal Stuff _ Sunday - Holy Week - March 16

Wow!!! It's Holy Week !!!!

Today we danced to All Hail King Jesus. I really had fun.

I am on a liquid fast from Sun up to Sun Down. Today was cool. I started to feel a little weak at the end of the day and irriatable. Not really hungry. A tad bit but not real hungry. This week it is about me and God and I am tuning out the world. I am only talking to my mother and sister. No email. No forums. None of that.

This week I plan to:

Morning

1. Pray for an hour
2. Read scriputre
3. Meditate (Centering Prayer)
4. Light Exercise

Evening

1. Meditate (Examine of Conscience)
2. Light Exercise
3. Scripture
4. Blog
5. Pray

Day 34 - The fifth week of lent - March 15

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. O, LORD my strength and my redeemer.

Opening Prayer
Lord, I just thank you for the Revelation of the scripture that I have read. Stories of the Bible that I have read time and time again. sermons that I have heard time and time again. And just never got it. Lord I bless your name because you are worthy. Lord guide me through this day In Jesus name.

Just Think ...

Per Praying Lent 2008

Today we read how this all came about and how Joseph took Mary as his wife. He is favored with the tremendous privilege of a message from God brought to him by an angel in a dream. Joseph hears and immediately obeys the will of God. His whole subsequent married life is to be marked by fidelity to the will of God. Again and again he will do the will of God in taking care of Jesus and Mary. As I read today's readings and ponder the life of St. Joseph, I come to a deeper realization of just how important a part he played in the life of Jesus and in the work of our redemption. As we prepare for Holy Week, Joseph can be our guide to Jesus and Mary.

Today's Scripture

Jeremiah 18:18-20; Psalm 31:5-6, 14, 15-16; Matthew 20:17-28

Meditation

Joseph can help us with our Lenten journey. He did what the Lord asked him to do. He became a servant who could not have fully understood God's ways.

Today's Daily Reflection
I pray that I will one day truly know my Purpose.

Closing Prayer - God of Love, Joseph was the husband of Mary, and you entrusted Jesus to his care. I am inspired by his fidelity and integrity as your self-sacrificing servant. Allow Joseph to offer strength, courage, fidelity and tender self-less love to all husbands. Let this holy family renew in me the desire to be your servant, faithful in the vocation you have given me..

I thank God for another day. I love you Lord

Day 31 - The Fifth Week of Lent - March 12

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. O, LORD my strength and my redeemer.

Opening Prayer
Lord ,Enlighten our minds and sanctify our hearts. In Jesus' name.

Just Think ...

God does not ask much of us. he just wants us to accept his son. This will make us free. There is no need to complain and bicker about what we have done or shall I say I. I have done nothing in comparison to Christ. God is so good for giving me his only son.

Today's Scripture

Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Daniel 3:52-56; John 8:31-42

Meditation
Again, I just want to be Holy and plese God.

Jesus is about to face a fiery furnace, (for me) which represents the full rejection of all of my sins, and the crushing defeat of death itself. I need to realize tat this freedom thing was done for me.

Today's Daily Reflection
I need a revival. I need to be renewed.

Intercession
Create in me a new heart.

Closing Prayer -Loving God, I know in your great love for me, you see the deep sorrow in my heart. Lord I am so sorry for the times atha I have hurt you an any way. I apologize fro hitting the rock twice. Hear my prayers which are offered with such trust in you.
Be with me in both mind and heart as I renew my life in your spirit. Bless your name Lord

I thank God for another day. I love you Lord

Day 30 - The Fifth Week Of Lent - Tuesday, March 11

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. O, LORD my strength and my redeemer.

Opening Prayer
Lord, help us to do your will that your Church may grow and become more faithful in your service.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, for ever and ever.

Just Think ...

May we be lifted up with you.

In the first reading, lifting up the image of a serpent healed and protected the people during their journey of liberation in the desert.

In the gospel, like a trial scene, Jesus is defending himself. They want to know who he is. They want to know him - but they resist knowing him. He tells them that they'll really know him when he is "lifted up." They will lift him up on the cross, to be put to death. God transformed that tragedy, by letting his death "pay the price" for all of our sins.

When we look at a crucifix, we look at the image of the one who is "lifted up" in Glory. He is lifted up for our liberation from sin and death.

Let us give him thanks, from the bottom of our hearts. Our celebration of our glorious salvation is near.

May we be lifted up with you. In the first reading, lifting up the image of a serpent healed and protected the people during their journey of liberation in the desert.

In the gospel, like a trial scene, Jesus is defending himself. They want to know who he is. They want to know him - but they resist knowing him. He tells them that they'll really know him when he is "lifted up." They will lift him up on the cross, to be put to death. God transformed that tragedy, by letting his death "pay the price" for all of our sins.

When we look at a crucifix, we look at the image of the one who is "lifted up" in Glory. He is lifted up for our liberation from sin and death.

Let us give him thanks, from the bottom of our hearts. Our celebration of our glorious salvation is near.

Jese told them but they just didnot understandm, "He said, IF I BE LIFTED UP" not if I lift myself. I wll darw all men unto me

Today's Scripture
Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 102:2-3, 16-21; John 8:21-30
Psalm207; Judges 9:7-15; Hebrews 10:19-25

Meditation
I just want to be Holy and plese God. I want to do what he wants and not baltantly just do what I want. I ma so greatful to God for givin me his son. I am so thankful for Jesus that he had the mind fulfulled his journey, unlike me. Lord, hve mercy on me.

Today's Daily Reflection
I pray that I will one day truly know my Purpose.

Intercession -

Lord, feed us at the banquet of the Eucharist,

- with all the gifts of your paschal sacrifice. Give us a perfect heart to receive your word,

- that we may bring forth fruit in patience. Make us eager to work with you in building a better world, -

so that it may listen to your Church and its gospel of peace. We confess, Lord, that we have sinned,

- wash us clean by your gift of salvation.

Closing Prayer -Loving God, You have heard my complaints, my impatience. Sometimes I become frightened when I move away from you. Guide my heart back to you. Help me to think beyond my own wants and to desire only to do you will.
Thank you for the many blessings in my life and for the ways I feel your presence.

I thank God for another day. I love you Lord

Day 26 - The Fourth Week of Lent - March 6

I can not beleive that it has been almost a month since I last posted, I have let the time get away from me but not the worg. I have read the word But I have not been on the praying Lent site which is very helpful. Over the weeks God has revealed things to me about my past. I realize taht God was always with me and keeping me safe.

Starting Over - The Midpoint of Lent
"Lord, it feels so good to be honest with myself before you. Let me know your presence today. Help me face the challenges that will be there today. Give me some more freedom to make different choices, and act on the graces you are giving me, to refrain from escaping, but rather to give myself to loving, as you have loved me."

Below is the reason I should have sated on the praying lent Web Site:

• if being crabby or impatient with various people throughout my day is my struggle, then each morning I can ask for the grace to give that up today. And, I can practice some response that will replace it. Perhaps I will try to see the other person the way God sees him/her. Perhaps I will imagine some pain or struggle or insecurity that could be the reason that they are annoying me. Perhaps I just need to say something affirming or complementary to the person. Or, if I’m tempted to escape in fantasy throughout the day, I can ask for the grace each morning to live with and embrace the real human beings I live with today.

My reflection: As Moses was an intercessor fore the Children of Isreal when God was fed up and was ready to wipe them out; So is Jesus to us. Bless his holy name.

Day 9 - The First Week of Lent - Thursday

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. O, LORD my strength and my redeemer.

Opening Prayer
Father God, without you I can do nothing. Without you I am nothing. By your spirit help me to know what is right and to be eager in doing your will. In the matchless name of jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

Today's Scripture
Psalm 138:1-8; Matthew 7:7-12
Psalm27; Gen 13:1-7,14-18; Phil3:2-12

Thank you Lord for your words of comfort and assurance.
Although I may consider it an accident that I read Philip 2: 1-12 as part of my scripture, it was not. I wish I had read it before I left this morning. It speaks of doing everything without complaining or arguing.

This morning I complained and bickered for about 15 minutes about how rude men are to women when boarding the bus. How they practically knock you down to get a seat. I have real issues with that and I need to pray about it.

Meditation
I just want to be in God's will and have a praing heart. I want to trust God no matter what the sistuation. I realized that I have not arrived but I am trying. One thing that I know for sure that I am secure in the shadow of God's Wings.

Today's Daily Reflection
I can depend on God no matter what. God has a teack record of showing up right on time. He slumbers not nor sleeps.

Intercession - Lord, help me to do what is good, right and true in your sight, - and to seek you always with an undivided heart.

Closing Prayer -Lord, I’m not always eager to do your will. I’d often much rather do my own will. Please be with me on this Lenten journey and help me to remember that your own spirit can guide me in the right direction. I want to “fix” my weaknesses but the task seems overwhelming. But I know that with your help, anything can be done. With a grateful heart, I acknowledge your love and know that without you, I can do nothing.

I thank God for another day. I love you Lord

Day 8 - The First Week of Lent Wednesday

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. O, LORD my strength and my redeemer.

Opening Prayer

Today's Scripture
Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Luke 11:29-32
Psalm 17; Job 1:1-22; Luke 21:34-22:6

Today's Daily Reflection

Today, I thank God for his many blessings and I ask him to keep me humble. I pray: “A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me; My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit.”

My scripture readinsg today were on being humble. This is something new for me, but something that I need to do. Something I never thought of doing. Asking the Lord to keep me humble.

Being humble is when you are able to admit that you are wrong.

Intercession - Lord, thank you for loving me. thank you for letting me know that deliverance is available to me.

Closing Prayer - I give you all the Glory. I Worship you because you are worthy to be praised.

Day 7 The First Week of Lent Tuesday

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. O, LORD my strength and my redeemer.

Opening Prayer
Father God, look on me, your child. Help me to grow during this season. Lord help me to be disciplined and not be side tracted as to why I am doing this. Help me not to be prideful and think tha I am higher that what I really am. Through the discipline of Lent help my desire in you to grow. In the matchless name of jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

Today's Scripture

Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19; Matthew 6:7-15
Psalm 17; Zech. 3:1-10; 2 Peter 2:4 - 21

Thank you Lord for your words of comfort and assurance.


Today's Daily Reflection - Here I am all caught up with a Peter attitude. Thinking to my self. Oh I can handle this fast and not watching TV is not a problem. First thing this morning I have to reflect back on my scripture and prayer of helping others from yesterday Matt 25:40;45 "anything you refused to do for the least or my people here, you refused to do for me"

A man asked me did I have 75 cents ths morning. I immediately said no when I knew good and darn well that I had it. As matter of fact I had 5.00 in quarters. This man never rides this train. He is not a regular. He asked me if i had 75 cents and I said no. I was immediately convicted. The Holy Sprit bought to mind. What you have done to the least of me you have done to me. I could see myself saying, "Lord, when did you ask me for 75 cents". I said to myself oh man. I had no choice but to give man 75 cents.

Intercession - Lord, help me to do what is good, right and true in your sight, - and to seek you always with an undivided heart.

Closing Prayer - Lord, may my journey with you this Lent be of grace, forgiveness and gentle love.

I thank God for another day. I love you Lord

Day 6 - The First Week of Lent -Monday

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. O, LORD my strength and my redeemer.

I did not post Fri - Sunday just laziness. Lent is about sacrifice. I must sacrifice my time, and post. I don't want 2008 to be like the last 2 years. I just stopped and did not post. Nope, not this year.

Opening Prayer
Father God, I come before you in the name of Jesus Christ my savior, asking you to bring me back to you and fill my mind with your wisdom. May I be enriched by my observance of Lent. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings: Psalm 17; 1 Chron. 21:1 - 17 (just too deep for words); 1 John 2:1-6; Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18; Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15; Matthew 25:31-46

Lord, forgive me for my secret sins. Keep me from sins of pride; don't let them rule over me.
Psalm 19

Daily Meditation- I should think of others and care for those less fortunate thatn I am.

Today's Daily Reflecion - My job is to help people and that is what I should do, I shouldnot take it personally when peole are upset. Theya re angry with the situation not me.

Intercession - Lord, help me to do what is good, right and true in your sight, - and to seek you always with an undivided heart.

Closing Prayer - Lord, may my journey with you this Lent be of grace, forgiveness and gentle love.

I am very tired I am going to bed.

I thank God for another day. I love you Lord

Day 2

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. O, LORD my strength and my redeemer.

Opening Prayer

Today's Readings: Ps. 91; Exodus 5:10-23; Acts 7:30-34

Daily Meditation- The journey begins
Today's Daily Reflecion - Taking up my cross daily and follow Christ. This means that i will have all kinds of crosses. It will not alway be easy. When I fall I must still reach out to others. I shuld also accept help from others. Getting along wiht everyone is a difficlut cross to bear. but I must take up my cross and follow Jesus. I should be mindful of how I treat others.
Intercession
Closing Prayer

Today at work they orded pizza and stromboli. It smelled very good. It really was not a struggle for me not to eat. Did anyone get on my nerves today? Not really! I am very tired and I have a headache. i am going to bed.

I thank God for another day. I love you Lord

Day 1 - Ash Wednesday

Today's Readings: Joel 2:1-18; Psalm 51: 1 -17; 2 Cor. 5: 20 - 6; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Intercessory Prayer
Closing Prayer

So far I have read Isa 58. I will complete the above before days end.

I attended service. The text was Phil 3:1-10

I finished my scripture. I have a headache and I am gong to bed

More Lent Information

Lent & Ash Wednesday: Questions & Answers

What is Lent?

Lent is a 40-day period of penitence and spiritual self-examination which is observed by Christians worldwide.

When does Lent start? End?

Lent begins each year on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday.
How does Lent relate to Jesus?Jesus spent 40 days and nights in the wilderness communing with God and preparing himself for the task he was called to do, as well as resisting the temptation to choose easier, more prideful ways to live out his days. During this time he fasted, which in his day meant that he was on a restricted diet—not that he didn’t eat or drink anything at all.

I count 46 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter. How do you explain that?Sundays are considered days of rejoicing and celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection. As a result, the Sundays between Ash Wednesday and Easter are not included in the days of penitence and sorrow of the Lenten Season.

Why should I observe Lent?

What purpose would it serve?It is a call to prepare for Easter. During this period of serious reflection, you spend time in self-examination and spiritual redirection. It is a time for you to acknowledge your shortcomings and to seek forgiveness for where you have fallen in your faith. Lent offers you the opportunity to seek spiritual renewal through the practice of prayer and self-denial.

How can I apply it to my life?

Lent is usually observed by practicing some sort of self-denial. Some people skip a meal a day and give the money they would have spent on the meal to a needy individual or group. Whether it be giving up sweets, television, eating out or smoking, usually it is something that we don’t need but do or use habitually, something that will leave a “hole” in our lives. When we give up something for Lent, it is a reminder that we miss it and repent.” We can use the experience of our “desire” for what we gave up as a way to remind us that we often use things other than God to fill our emptiness.

What is Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season.

How is Ash Wednesday observed by the church?

There are several traditions, but the most widespread observance is by using ashes (often from the burned palm leaves of the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration) to mark the forehead of a believer with the sign of a cross.

Why ashes?

The people of the Old Testament used ashes as a sign of mourning (Esther 4:1-3, Job 42:6, Jeremiah 6:26). Even today, ashes are considered a symbol of death and of nothingness. Ashes remind us of our helplessness and dependence on God. They remind us of our need to mourn our sinful nature, to feel contrition, and to repent so that we may receive God’s forgiveness. They are a symbol of sinfulness and of our commitment to spiritual renewal.

Why are ashes put on the forehead?

The Old Testament tells us that ashes were placed on people’s foreheads during times of fasting, prayer,repentance and remorse. (2 Samuel 13:19).

Do I have to get marked with the ashes?

No. It is a matter of personal choice.

Do I have to leave the ashes on?

No. You may wipe them off whenever you like. Some Christian traditions encourage letting the ashes “wearoff” on their own, as a public confession of your sinful nature and your remorse. But for some this can besocially uncomfortable, and for others it can be a source of unholy pride. You do what you feel led to do.

Why observe Ash Wednesday?

It’s an opportunity to gather with fellow believers to publicly acknowledge our sinful nature and to commitourselves to a period of serious spiritual reflection.

I heard that Mardi Gras has something to do with Lent. How can that be?

Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French. For those who fasted by severely restricting their diets, theTuesday before the Beginning of Lent was the last chance to “eat-up” until Easter. They celebrated with food in a big way. The secular world has seized upon this day as an excuse to “party hardy” . . . much like the commercialization of Christmas.

Is it necessary for me to celebrate Lent and Ash Wednesday?

No, not at all. You may set aside any time to reflect upon God. However, celebrating Lent and Ash Wednesday does provide a structured way to make sure that you take the time to reflect on your loving God and to access your relationship with your Creator. And it does so at a time when millions of other Christians are doing the same.

The Season of Lent begins with the ashes that represent our sinfulness and death, but it ends with Easter,where, through Christ, God resurrects us and makes us new creatures. We recognize our absolute dependence on God, who breathes the Spirit into us . . . so that we may come to life.

Taken from http://www.beaverdambaptist.org/lent.html

Preparing for Lent

For some reason, I am kind of scared. The reason is that I am so serious about this thing. I am so serious about this journey. I should just get rid of all fear because it is not of God.

I guess I fear the unknown. What is God going to reveal to me? What is he going to show me?

During this journey. I expect direction, healing, delieverance, and restoration.

I intend on doint the Daniel fast

I will be prying for:

• First and foremost, a closer relationship with God.
• Better stewardship
• The salvation of loved ones.
• Financial difficulties.

What is Lent

Lent is another Christian season. However, it seems as though mostly Catholics observe it. "Traditionally" other denominations do not practice lent. Being that I repent every day, this is not the "time of the year" that I get all holy and start praying, as this should be done every day. Repentance is an everyday thing. Self-denial is not something that I do every day. I should be so focused.

This Christian holiday season is about self denial, revival, and preperation for viewing the cross.

What is the resurrection without the death and burial? What is Easter/Resurrection Sunday without the 40 days? What about our suffering savior during those 40 days? I mean for real... think about it. Lent is not a fad But thank God, Thank God the reserection of My Lord and Savior. The Cross, he did that just for me.


See article below


The Beginning of Lent

by Ted Olsen
Originally posted 2/19/99

"What did you give up for Lent?" I had grown up in Baptist and other conservative evangelical churches, so my friend's question held no meaning. I figured it was like a second chance at a New Year's Resolution for those who had already abandoned theirs.

Even around here at the Christianity Today Inc. offices, where Christian History is based, it seems that Ash Wednesday passed with little notice. There were just as many donut trays by the coffee pots, and just as many hamburgers in the lunch room.

That's surprising, especially since Lent is one of the oldest observations on the Christian calendar. Like all Christian holy days and holidays, it has changed over the years, but its purpose has always been the same: self-examination and penitence, demonstrated by self-denial, in preparation for Easter. Early church father Irenaus of Lyons (c.130-c.200) wrote of such a season in the earliest days of the church, but back then it lasted only two or three days, not the 40 observed today.

In 325, the Council of Nicea discussed a 40-day Lenten season of fasting, but it's unclear whether its original intent was just for new Christians preparing for Baptism, but it soon encompassed the whole Church.

How exactly the churches counted those 40 days varied depending on location. In the East, one only fasted on weekdays. The western church's Lent was one week shorter, but included Saturdays. But in both places, the observance was both strict and serious. Only one meal was taken a day, near the evening. There was to be no meat, fish, or animal products eaten.
Until the 600s, Lent began on Quadragesima (Fortieth) Sunday, but Gregory the Great (c.540-604) moved it to a Wednesday, now called Ash Wednesday, to secure the exact number of 40 days in Lent—not counting Sundays, which were feast days. Gregory, who is regarded as the father of the medieval papacy, is also credited with the ceremony that gives the day its name. As Christians came to the church for forgiveness, Gregory marked their foreheads with ashes reminding them of the biblical symbol of repentance (sackcloth and ashes) and mortality: "You are dust, and to dust you will return" (Gen 3:19).

By the 800s, some Lenten practices were already becoming more relaxed. First, Christians were allowed to eat after 3 p.m. By the 1400s, it was noon. Eventually, various foods (like fish) were allowed, and in 1966 the Roman Catholic church only restricted fast days to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. It should be noted, however, that practices in Eastern Orthodox churches are still quite strict.

Though Lent is still devoutly observed in some mainline Protestant denominations (most notably for Anglicans and Episcopalians), others hardly mention it at all. However, there seems to be potential for evangelicals to embrace the season again. Many evangelical leaders, including Bill Bright of Campus Crusade and Jerry Falwell are promoting fasting as a way to prepare for revival. For many evangelicals who see the early church as a model for how the church should be today, a revival of Lent may be the next logical step.

from www.christianitytoday.com