I came across these questions today and thought they were really helpful in focusing my discernment for what to "give up" for Lent. I thought perhaps they might benefit you ladies as well!
10 Questions to Ask Yourself
1. When I wake up on Resurrection Sunday morning, how will I be different?
2. From what do I need to repent?
3. Is there one particular sin in my life that repeatedly gets in the way of loving God with my whole heart or loving my neighbor as myself? How do I address that sin over the next 40 days?
4. Is there anyone in my life from whom I need to ask forgiveness or pursue reconciliation?
5. What distractions most commonly interfere with my time in prayer/Scripture?
6. What spiritual discipline do I need to improve upon or want to try?
7. What are some things in my life that I tell myself I need but I don’t?
8. Why am I giving this particular thing up? How does giving it up draw me closer to God and prepare me for Easter?
9. What am I going to tell myself when self-denial gets hard?
10. Is it necessary/helpful for me to share the nature my fast with others or should I keep it private?
They were found on this blog.
Liz,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this. I will definitely keep this handy for future use. I feel like every year I am trying to think of what I can do for Lent that won't be inconsequential after my Lenten journey is over. These questions were great for me to re-center myself and think about the depth of my sacrifice for Lent.
THANKS!
Hey Liz,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much...I am reading these before heading in to Ash Wednesday and they are really making me think..."well...what does this really mean to my relationship with God?"
If you don't mind, I'm going to share these with some of my peers at work.
Ali
It's very telling that I should read this today. This morning I asked my husband what he was giving up for Lent and he told me that the Deacon's homily on Sunday (which I missed because I was helping with Children's Church) was about NOT telling other people what you have given up. I was annoyed that he wouldn't tell me, but then I realized it is just because I am nosy. And that helped me to solidify my resolve on what I am giving up-which has to do with being nosy.
ReplyDeleteI also jokingly remarked that Sundays didn't count. But that made me even more sure that this is the right thing for me to give up; and not only for Lent, but for good. It is taking up too much space in my brain and I need to be done with it.
Thanks for helping me hear that message loud and clear this morning. :)