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
Showing posts with label lent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lent. Show all posts
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
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.
When Jesus spoke it was never in retaliation. It was only in truth.
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
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
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
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
Monday, February 11, 2008
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 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
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
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
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
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