Living Lent as a Family

What to “do” for Lent?

This is the question many of us face pre-Lent each year or even as late or later then Ash Wednesday because we just can’t decide on what to “give up” and/or what “to do”.

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How do we decide? Do we consult the One whom we want to draw closer to and want to become more like? The primary reason for fasting, abstinence and penance, the “giving up” and “doing more”, is meant to rid us of whatever gets in the way of our relationship with the Lord and to become more like Him. Consulting Him, outright asking our Father in Heaven, who knows us even better than we know ourselves seems like a logical answer to our question!

Lord, what should I give up and/or do extra for Lent?

  • What gets in the way of my relationship with you and with other people?
  • Do I spend enough time in daily prayer?
  • How can I grow in virtue and what virtue in me needs strengthening? 
  • Lord, what would be most beneficial to fast from? Is it food? Social media? Gossip? Television? Or…..?
  • Lord, where would you like me to sacrifice or do more? Does my spouse, family or a friend need more attention than I give them? Could I do with less sleep and pray more? Should I share my time or money more freely in the community? And with whom?

Lord, what do You want me to do in this Lenten Season? 

We can count on Him keeping His Word:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you” Matthew 7:7

 Psalm 51 is a great prayer to reflect on as we ask the Lord
what He desires for and from us in this Lenten Season. 

A clean heart create for me, God;
renew within me a steadfast spirit. 
Do not drive me from before your face,
nor take from me your holy spirit. 
Restore to me the gladness of your salvation;
uphold me with a willing spirit.
I will teach the wicked your ways,
that sinners may return to you.
Rescue me from violent bloodshed, God, my saving God,
and my tongue will sing joyfully of your justice. 
Lord, you will open my lips;
and my mouth will proclaim your praise.
For you do not desire sacrifice* or I would give it;
a burnt offering you would not accept. 
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn.
A clean heart create for me, God;
renew within me a steadfast spirit. 
Do not drive me from before your face,
nor take from me your holy spirit. 
Restore to me the gladness of your salvation;
uphold me with a willing spirit.
I will teach the wicked your ways,
that sinners may return to you.
Rescue me from violent bloodshed, God, my saving God,
and my tongue will sing joyfully of your justice. 
Lord, you will open my lips;
and my mouth will proclaim your praise.
For you do not desire sacrifice* or I would give it;
a burnt offering you would not accept. 
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn. 

Family Resources for Lent

Formed - Daily Reflections, Movies, Programs and Books

EWTN – Daily Lenten Reflections

CatholicCuisine

Carrots for Michaelmas  

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Catholic All Year

Holy Heroes– Lenten Adventure (children 4-13)

Catholic Icing – Activities and Crafts for Children

 

 

 

Karen Hettrick