Thread: Styx: 40 ideas for Lent Board: Limbo / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by Simon (# 1) on :
 
Back in 2002, we ran a feature called 40 ideas for Lent, which offered a creative/adventurous suggestion for each day of Lent, in an unrestful kind of way. They included sending God an email, looking out of the window, giving blood, learning a poem and unplugging the phone for 24 hours. Most of the ideas were generated here, on these boards.

I’d like to run 40 ideas for Lent again this year, starting next week (Ash Wednesday is next Wednesday), and it would be great to have a whole load of new ideas to mix in with the best of the old ones. If you’d like to contribute, post your ideas here, or PM/email me. We’re also looking for short quotes for each day, so ditto for them. Here’s an example from 2002 to show how we’re treating this...

http://shipoffools.com/lent/40.html

Thanks!

[ 27. October 2012, 16:46: Message edited by: Tubbs ]
 
Posted by eyeliner (# 4648) on :
 
That sounds like a brilliant idea! I shall mull on a few contributions.
 
Posted by PhilA (# 8792) on :
 
Give someone a book. Find a book that has meant something to you spiritually, something on the lines of 'mere Christianity' or 'The Holy Man' and post it through someones letterbox - a complete strangers if possible. Write a little note telling them what this book means to you and how you would like to share its message with other people. Invite them to pass it on when they have read it.
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
Would that be 'The Heavenly Man', PhilA?

My suggestion:

Phone someone you haven't seen in a while, and/or take them out for coffee. I'm thinking particularly of people who don't get out much because of young children/caring for relatives/lack of money/isolated situation. Often you find that the call came through just when they most needed to know someone cared.
 
Posted by Doublethink (# 1984) on :
 
Some suggestions:

Visit the church of a different denomination to worship / or the place of worship of a different religion and see what you can learn.

If you don't usually, do a traditional fast for one day or one weekend. (By which I think I mean either actually fast, or just follow a trad lenten diet). After all, many people give up one thing - often a luxury - and don't have the experience of what this would be like.

Visit somewhere beautiful
 
Posted by TurquoiseTastic (# 8978) on :
 
A friend of mine was struck by the commitment of an Islamic colleague to the Ramadan fast and decided he would try a Ramadan-style sunrise to sunset fast for the 40 days of Lent.

He did drink water during these hours, though, which AIUI a Muslim would not.

A bit hardcore maybe but hey, it's only an idea...
 
Posted by cometchaser (# 10353) on :
 
coming from a newsie:

a media diet. for 24 hours (or the whole 40 days!) turn off the TV, the radio, and cancel or give away your newspaper. avoid them at all costs. if it is just one day, stay offline, too. dont read anything "topical".

I end up so full of news in my career that when I take vacations my family enforces a strict news diet. it is so restful. news causes stress. this is a great way to slow down and get in touch with what really matters. silence, for one thing!

Comet
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh fab ideas....... I havent really "done" lent before but would like to this year... something nicely accesible like ship online suggestions (unlike the effort of reading a book [Biased] )
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by cometchaser:
coming from a newsie:

a media diet. for 24 hours (or the whole 40 days!) turn off the TV, the radio, and cancel or give away your newspaper. avoid them at all costs. if it is just one day, stay offline, too. dont read anything "topical".

I end up so full of news in my career that when I take vacations my family enforces a strict news diet. it is so restful. news causes stress. this is a great way to slow down and get in touch with what really matters. silence, for one thing!

Comet
... or alternativey use the newspaper/ daily news each day to pray from!
 
Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 
Organise beforehand during Lent a David Letterman type dropping an organ from many stories above, top of building. Then write an essay on this experience to reflect how God's glory was displayed by said act.
 
Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Bake a cake for your colleagues.

(But only if you're good at baking - otherwise they might think you hate them).
 
Posted by Campbellite (# 1202) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by duchess:
Organise beforehand during Lent a David Letterman type dropping an organ from many stories above, top of building. Then write an essay on this experience to reflect how God's glory was displayed by said act.
I assume you mean an electric organ. Pipe organs are rather difficult to hoist to the top of a building.
 
Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Campbellite:
I assume you mean an electric organ. Pipe organs are rather difficult to hoist to the top of a building.
Besides, who would want to destroy a pipe organ? Find one of those dreadful vibrato-overburdened appliances that they have at undertakers' establishments, and drop THAT. It would be a good deed in a naughty world.

Ross
 
Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 
A very large one...with lots and lots of pipes.
makes momma VERY happy.

[Devil]

[made plural. also adding that the thought of a pipe organ being dropped from a very tall building, makes me smile [Big Grin] If it were ever done... [Overused] color me amazed. *sigh*]

[ 21. February 2006, 22:49: Message edited by: duchess ]
 
Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :
 
....whereas I would toss a crate of ee-lectronic instruments off and be even cheerier.

But I fear we are getting off-topic.

How about not just Giving Things Up, but taking the money we would otherwise have spent and putting it toward a specific Good Cause? (Like buying a new pipe organ?)

Ross
 
Posted by Spiffy da Wonder Sheep (# 5267) on :
 
Call up a friend or family member you haven't spoken to in a while.
 
Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Spiffy da Wonder Sheep:
Call up a friend or family member you haven't spoken to in a while.
...even -- or especially -- if the falling out wasn't your fault.
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
This may be a slight tangent.... (me! never!)

But this year I was wondering about instead of "giving up" (not that ive really "observed" lent being all low church and all that) but "taking up"...

introducing a good habit into my life...

not sure what yet... Id like to do something meditative, or maybe even find my bible...!!! (A)
 
Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :
 
Emma, you could make a point of reading the Daily Office (and lessons) at least once each day. I started that a couple of years ago, and it's really helpful. Lent is a good time and place to begin.

Ross
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
the daily office?

is that universal or do the Rc and C of e have different ones...

do all the bits of the C of E all believe/follow same one... is there just one? [Confused] I would probably go perhaps with a more modern writer - not sure!

in fact thinking about it -theres that lovely irish monks website with a little verse and reflection each day...

Im gonna do that [Big Grin]
 
Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 
Don't turn on your computer for a day and go out into the real world: Pick up some rubbish from the streets, help someone less capable than you to cross the road, offer to do something for an elderly neighbour... the list is endless.
 
Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :
 
I suppose one COULD give up the Ship -- but then where would one find encouragement for keeping one's Lenten disciplines?
 
Posted by Campbellite (# 1202) on :
 
I seem to recall a couple of years back Baby Bear had some sort of Lenten daily list. I remember saving it on my hard drive. Maybe I can scare that up. I'll let you know if I can find it.
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
Oh yes, that one was great. It combined giving thanks for the good things in our lives, praying for those who don't have them, and putting money aside for a good cause.
 
Posted by PhilA (# 8792) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gill H:
Would that be 'The Heavenly Man', PhilA?

No, I've not come across that one. I meant The Holy Man (A short excerpt is in the link above.)

Another suggestion:
Do not spend any money for one day. Not a single penny on anything. This includes things such as electricity or phone calls; if it adds to a bill/invoice or costs at point of sale its not allowed. (It is cheating to go to someone else's house.)
 
Posted by ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
I do know someone who gave up bulletin boards (including the Ship) for Lent a couple of years ago.
 
Posted by Simon (# 1) on :
 
Thanks for the new ideas so far... excellent stuff. I'd offer a prize of chocolate for the best suggestion, but it doesn't seem to be quite in the spirit of Lent.
 
Posted by frin (# 9) on :
 
Find a midweek service near your place of work and join them for worship.

Listen to someone without interrupting.

Read your local paper and pray about the issues facing your community.
 
Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by PhilA:
Another suggestion:
Do not spend any money for one day. Not a single penny on anything. This includes things such as electricity or phone calls; if it adds to a bill/invoice or costs at point of sale its not allowed. (It is cheating to go to someone else's house.)
In cold climates this is not practicable.

Moo
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Do a "random act of kindness". It does not need to be complicated.

Jengie
 
Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :
 
Just a few suggestions, some easy, and some hard:


Get up early one morning and bring your loved one breakfast in bed.

Spend a day trying to get to know some you don't really like better. (Risky one, this!)

Don't use your car. Go everywhere by bike, on foot, or use public transport. The length of time you do this for would have to depend on where you lived, and therefore, how practical it was.

I agree with all the "no TV/computer/insert time thief here" stuff. I'd add radio, which is so often a sort of soundtrack for everything we do, and can distract you without you even noticing.

Sit down to eat in the evening with your family, and talk about your day.

Walk the streets of your home town. Don't plan to do anything, just watch people. If they look laden down with shopping, offer to carry some for them. If they look stressed and hassled, pray for them (just in your head, unless you're really brave).
 
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Moo:
quote:
Originally posted by PhilA:
Another suggestion:
Do not spend any money for one day. Not a single penny on anything. This includes things such as electricity or phone calls; if it adds to a bill/invoice or costs at point of sale its not allowed. (It is cheating to go to someone else's house.)
In cold climates this is not practicable.
The man lives in Wakefield! If he can really get through a day in March in the North of England without turning on the heating or electricity or, indeed, water, he's a better person than me. Perhaps by Holy Week this year it will be warm enough to not have the heating on.

What about food - are you allowed to eat what you bought the day before? Presumably you aren't allowed to cook it.
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Simon:
Thanks for the new ideas so far... excellent stuff. I'd offer a prize of chocolate for the best suggestion, but it doesn't seem to be quite in the spirit of Lent.
excuses excuses
 
Posted by Fool of a Took (# 7412) on :
 
Plant bulbs.
 
Posted by marmot (# 479) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gill H:

My suggestion:

Phone someone you haven't seen in a while, and/or take them out for coffee. I'm thinking particularly of people who don't get out much because of young children/caring for relatives/lack of money/isolated situation. Often you find that the call came through just when they most needed to know someone cared.
A variation on this one: Bring neighbors together who may not know one another. I like to do this with a simple meal like chili or soup and salad.

[ 22. February 2006, 13:38: Message edited by: marmot ]
 
Posted by PhilA (# 8792) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Moo:
quote:
Originally posted by PhilA:
Another suggestion:
Do not spend any money for one day. Not a single penny on anything. This includes things such as electricity or phone calls; if it adds to a bill/invoice or costs at point of sale its not allowed. (It is cheating to go to someone else's house.)
In cold climates this is not practicable.

Moo
Many people are homeless and cant simply turn up the thermostat Moo. Yes they complain about it and yes we do some things to help, but there is nothing like walking a mile in someone elses shoes to focus the mind as to what they have to put up with - even if its only for 1 day and they have to go through it every day. There but for the grace of God go I.
 
Posted by jlg (# 98) on :
 
Based on something the youth group at my church is going to do: Observe a complete fast for 30 hours (nothing but a minimal amount of water). During the day of your fast, either volunteer in a soup kitchen at a shelter or prepare food yourself (sandwiches, whatever) and go someplace where you can distribute it to the homeless. To add to the experience, sleep on the floor that night with only a piece of cardboard or a few newspapers.

[ 22. February 2006, 16:17: Message edited by: jlg ]
 
Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 1000) on :
 
The anglican diocese I live in is doing something similar to this for lent. They call it "Love Life Live Lent" and it is about living generously for the lenten period.

Here are some suggestions I liked from it:


There are lots more suggestions in the booklet too.

I think the idea of doing little things for other people is a really nice one, so I would suggest:

If I think of anymore i'll come back and post again. Hope those ideas are helpful and along the lines of what you are looking for!

LMM

PS: Emma - I tried taking up something last year for lent - I didn't manage it, but it was worth while trying!
 
Posted by Suze (# 5639) on :
 
Spend a day up high hills or on long beaches - somewhere vast and open where you can really get a sense of your place in the world, use the time to pray, meditate and just generally be.
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
LMM - I love your list....

Im temtped to suggest "lenten activities" to my general RE group... you dont have to be religious to do good and nice things hey....!

Ive decided to read/do the ignatian style meditations on sacred space, and the friend that initially recommended the site still does them, so he can keep a check on me.,... i mean... we can discuss them!!!
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
((hmmm.... just got a lesson idea now...I think a display and getting each student to write up an idea........ *grin* ))
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Make a card for someone who you care about.

Jengie
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by PhilA:
Do not spend any money for one day. Not a single penny on anything. This includes things such as electricity or phone calls; if it adds to a bill/invoice or costs at point of sale its not allowed. (It is cheating to go to someone else's house.)
I'm probably being picky here, but I'm not sure how turning off my fridge & freezer and wasting food is in the spirit of Lent.

Deborah
 
Posted by frin (# 9) on :
 
Pray for every person you spend time with today.

Give away some of your possessions that you don't really need to a charity shop, or freecycle them.

Help a child go to school
 
Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Emma.:
LMM - I love your list....

Im temtped to suggest "lenten activities" to my general RE group... you dont have to be religious to do good and nice things hey....!
Indeed you don't - as the Karma Army proves.

Another suggestion - plant some bulbs in a pot and give it to an elderly neighbour.

If you know someone who is housebound, see if they would like a visit. And while you're there, ask if there are any little jobs they would like done eg. lightbulb needs changing.

If you don't already, make an effort to smile and say a few words of greeting to people who regularly feature in your life but who you don't actually know - the postman, the ticket staff at the station, the security at your building (I think you should anyway, but maybe it doesn't occur to some people.)

If you're in a shop and the customer in front of you is giving the cashier a hard time, go out of your way to be nice to them when it's your turn to be served (thus speaks the former shop girl!)

[ETA - the above 'cult' leader has a few suggestions of his own.]

[ 22. February 2006, 20:35: Message edited by: Hazey Jane ]
 
Posted by Codepoet (# 5964) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by TurquoiseTastic:
A friend of mine was struck by the commitment of an Islamic colleague to the Ramadan fast and decided he would try a Ramadan-style sunrise to sunset fast for the 40 days of Lent.

He did drink water during these hours, though, which AIUI a Muslim would not.

A bit hardcore maybe but hey, it's only an idea...
I normally try to do that, but I usually break the fast somehow at some point. I think last year I allowed myself to add sugger to the water I was drinking to stop me keeling over at work. It does make you very grumpy though.
 
Posted by ACOL-ite (# 4991) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Emma.:
the daily office?

is that universal or do the Rc and C of e have different ones...

do all the bits of the C of E all believe/follow same one... is there just one? [Confused] I would probably go perhaps with a more modern writer - not sure!
I know we've moved on, but I'm a bit slow, so I thought I'd respond to this.

There are tons of different daily offices around, Emma: not even RCs all use the same one! I can think of four specifically Anglican ones that I've experienced: the 1662; Common Worship : Daily Prayer; Celebrating Common Prayer; ECUSA 1979.

In the RC tradition the daily office(s) are often called "Liturgy of the Hours", I use the version in a single volume red book called "Christian Prayer". Many religious orders have their own. There are also Lutheran versions of the offices.

There is a whole (10 page!) thread on this in Eccles.
 
Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Jengie Jon:
Make a card for someone who you care about.
Even better, I supposed, make a card for someone you don't care about.

One I tried once (not very successfully) was, when I went grocery shopping during Lent, to try to buy as much for the food bank as I did for my own family (dollar value). This proved impractical to do regularly all through Lent, but I think it still might be nice to try once or twice during the season.
 
Posted by David (# 3) on :
 
Avoid contributing to lists.
 
Posted by Gordon Cheng (# 8895) on :
 
Take up smoking (one way of giving up oxygen for Lent)
 
Posted by Henry Troup (# 3722) on :
 
I have a piggy bank in which the money I don't spend (e.g. I fast from the vending machine at the office) accumulates. At Easter it goes to a worthy cause.
 
Posted by Lady A (# 3126) on :
 
At least once a week go into work early and seriously pray for your co-workers, bosses, etc. If you have a more interesting work place, make it something to do before you 'work' in praying for the people you need to deal with, etc. Ask for inspiration to help meet their needs whatever that may be for that day, just a smile, a warm hello, a ride somewhere, or a great encouragement. See what changes in you have happened over that time period.
 
Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Simon:
Thanks for the new ideas so far... excellent stuff. I'd offer a prize of chocolate for the best suggestion, but it doesn't seem to be quite in the spirit of Lent.
There's always Scotch instead.

Ross
 
Posted by cometchaser (# 10353) on :
 
how about giving up eating out for Lent? buy a cookbook (vegetarian!) and cook all your meals. take lunch with you to work, etc. you'll save a fortune, that can then be given to your local bread line.

C

[ 23. February 2006, 03:47: Message edited by: cometchaser ]
 
Posted by PhilA (# 8792) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by rosamundi:
quote:
Originally posted by PhilA:
Do not spend any money for one day. Not a single penny on anything. This includes things such as electricity or phone calls; if it adds to a bill/invoice or costs at point of sale its not allowed. (It is cheating to go to someone else's house.)
I'm probably being picky here, but I'm not sure how turning off my fridge & freezer and wasting food is in the spirit of Lent.

Deborah
A fridge and freezer can be run down as it is when you go on holiday.

Yes this is a hard one, but please also remember it is only an idea, not a command from on high. If you don't like it, that's fine. Its not even an 'official' idea from the ship yet. The bribe to Simon is in the post, but its not a large one so it may not be included. [Smile]
 
Posted by PhilA (# 8792) on :
 
Another suggestion:

Say yes. Whatever is asked of you, say yes to it. The important thing then of course is to do it. (If you want to do this one it really is important not to let anyone else know what is going on as some people will take advantage and ask questions like "will you please run round the office with your knickers on your head?" However, screening phone calls is contrary to the spirit of this. [Big Grin] )
 
Posted by Paul W. (# 1450) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by ACOL-ite:
There are tons of different daily offices around, Emma: not even RCs all use the same one! I can think of four specifically Anglican ones that I've experienced: the 1662; Common Worship : Daily Prayer; Celebrating Common Prayer; ECUSA 1979.
If someone's considering taking one of these up for Lent, the 1662 and Common Worship: Daily Prayer are available online here:

Church of England Daily Prayer

This might make it easier to keep up for those who spend a fair bit of time on the internet. I've been using the Common Worship one since the start of the year, and found it much more convenient for me than the printed book.

Paul W
 
Posted by Holy Stone (# 2900) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Little Miss Methodist:
The anglican diocese I live in is doing something similar to this for lent. They call it "Love Life Live Lent" and it is about living generously for the lenten period.
Being a good little Birmingham Anglican I'm going to try and follow this for lent.

My favourite idea in the booklet is to go into a charity shop and 'reverse haggle'.

You: Is this chocolate bar fair trade?
Shopkeep: Yes.
You: Great! I'll give you a pound for it.
Shopkeep: Er...It's forty pence.
You: Ooo you're a hard one...two pounds.
Shopkeep: Errrr...
You: Look, three pounds fifty, can't say fairer than that.
Shopkeep: Haven't you got a wife and kids to feed?
You: Ok ok, four pounds, that's my final offer.

Hand over the cash and walk out munching on your guilt free chocolate.

If you want extra brownie points, give the chocolate to someone else, like the shop person.
 
Posted by Matrix (# 3452) on :
 
here's a few:

Give away your favourite CD/book/DVD, and don't replace it.

If you're out for a meal, pay for a stranger's too.

Buy some flowers and give them to someone you don't know.

Set aside a set period to not speak, 10 minutes, an hour, or even a day.

Fill in and send that child sponsorship form you've been stalling on.

Write or speak to someone who has a had a positive effect on your life, and tell them what they mean to you.

Write or speak to someone who has had a negative effect on your life, and tell them that you forgive them.

look through your wardrobe, take any item of clothing you haven't worn for 18 months that is in good condition and give it to a charity shop.

M
 
Posted by Simon (# 1) on :
 
Are there any other online resources we could include? The CofE Daily Prayer is good because it's so accessible, but is there a RC equivalent, and are there sites with creative prayer, spirituality or action which we could point people to?
 
Posted by Matrix (# 3452) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Simon:
Are there any other online resources we could include? The CofE Daily Prayer is good because it's so accessible, but is there a RC equivalent, and are there sites with creative prayer, spirituality or action which we could point people to?
Sacred Space is a jesuit inspirational site, and it's good.

M
 
Posted by LutheranChik (# 9826) on :
 
Going on a conflict fast (including and perhaps especially Internet conflict).

Actually praying for your enemies. (An ideal that I fear is often not translated into reality.)

Working on an extended examen of conscience at the beginning and end of Lent, and/or taking advantage of individual confession/absolution if that's an option.

Reading a spiritual book in addition to the Bible.
 
Posted by LutheranChik (# 9826) on :
 
Sorry to double-post...I just thought of something I'd read awhile back, a suggestion to "de-clutter" one's physical as well as spiritual and mental space for Lent. This isn't a matter of mistaking Lenten discipline for New Year's resolutions [Biased] , but rather an acknowledgement that sometimes the collected "stuff" in our lives becomes a distraction and a burden that impacts on our spiritual lives. And if it's stuff that can be given to people who actually need it, all the better.
 
Posted by Martha (# 185) on :
 
On the subject of useful sites for Lent, I found one called Praying Lent which has a prayer, meditation and Bible reading for each day of Lent, and some other tips as well (see the "cooking Lent" section).
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Simon:
Are there any other online resources we could include? The CofE Daily Prayer is good because it's so accessible, but is there a RC equivalent, and are there sites with creative prayer, spirituality or action which we could point people to?
Universalis is a good Daily Office site.

Deborah
 
Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Simon:
Are there any other online resources we could include? The CofE Daily Prayer is good because it's so accessible, but is there a RC equivalent, and are there sites with creative prayer, spirituality or action which we could point people to?
Forward Day-by-Day offers a daily meditation on the lectionary readings; it's an Episcopal publication, but with deliberately wide appeal.

I also found one that looks fairly Protestant-Evangelical, called "The Upper Room." I'm sure there are other denominational resources out there.

Ross
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by ACOL-ite:

,,,

There are tons of different daily offices around, Emma: not even RCs all use the same one! I can think of four specifically Anglican ones that I've experienced: the 1662; Common Worship : Daily Prayer; Celebrating Common Prayer; ECUSA 1979.

In the RC tradition the daily office(s) are often called "Liturgy of the Hours", I use the version in a single volume red book called "Christian Prayer". Many religious orders have their own. There are also Lutheran versions of the offices.

There is a whole (10 page!) thread on this in Eccles.
thanks [Smile]
 
Posted by The Bede's American Successor (# 5042) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Simon:
Are there any other online resources we could include? The CofE Daily Prayer is good because it's so accessible, but is there a RC equivalent, and are there sites with creative prayer, spirituality or action which we could point people to?
Not RC, but

The Daily Office

Daily Office in Spanish

Forward Day by Day

Anglican Cycle of Prayer
 
Posted by The Bede's American Successor (# 5042) on :
 
Forgot this one, with respect to taking action:

Sojourners
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
I have just discovered that SPCK online do a prayer for the day.

Jengie
 
Posted by BassoProfundo (# 11008) on :
 
I was wondering, if someone was to give up alcohol for lent, are they still able to receive the wine at communion? This may seem like a stupid question, just curious.

Here's an idea: Volunteer at an old age home for a day or two.
 
Posted by shoewoman (# 1618) on :
 
Buy a rose, walk along any street, and put it anonymously behind some windscreen wipers.

Buy a bar of chocolate and throw it anonymously in a stranger's letter box.

Go to confession. Even if you are a Protestant.

Stop swearing at other drivers. Smile, and give way. (This one gets much easier if you leave the house so early that you are not in a hurry).

Offer two hours of babysitting to some friends who need it.

Keep a promise. Especially if it was given a long time ago.

Every day, look at your belongings and throw or give one item away (not something you like, but something you have kept for whatever reasons, never really needing or using it - a book, a piece of clothing, a gadget, an ornament).

Do not turn on the radio in your car. Sing.

Do some household chores, even if it isn't your turn. [Angel]
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by shoewoman:


Every day, look at your belongings and throw or give one item away (not something you like, but something you have kept for whatever reasons, never really needing or using it - a book, a piece of clothing, a gadget, an ornament).

i relaly like this [Smile]
 
Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 
Make plans to do a mystery worship of a high church of your choice.
[Angel]
 
Posted by Henry Troup (# 3722) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by BassoProfundo:
I was wondering, if someone was to give up alcohol for lent, are they still able to receive the wine at communion? This may seem like a stupid question, just curious.
Traditionally, the Lenten fast doesn't happen on Sundays -- just add up 40 days on the calendar. Easy this year, since the start is March 1. If Lent were every day, it'd end April 9th, before Easter.

A priest of my parish pointed out that anything you give up for Lent should be something you can take up again without guilt ... although I don't always play it that way.
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
um - just as a slight tangent.... Why do we "give things up" for lent?? or make positive steps etc?
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by LutheranChik:
Actually praying for your enemies. (An ideal that I fear is often not translated into reality.)

I did this last year - it was really hard. Because of my personal history and because of how they are hated in society, I chose to research paedophilia and pray for paeophiles as well as those whom they offend against.

I didn't do very well, and am undecided whether to attempt this again.

Huia
 
Posted by Foolhearty (# 6196) on :
 
Some time back, my prayer group and I decided to try praying five times each day for a week, as our Muslim sisters and brothers do. I thought it wouldn't be hard at all -- grace at three meals, and morning and evening prayer.

But none of us managed it for the whole week.

Still, I think I'll try for three times a day during Lent. Plus fasting one day each week.

I also like to study something during Lent. Last year I worked with people from another church to develop narratives around some Biblical characters who'd encountered Jesus in his last week. They read their narratives aloud for their congregation on Passion Sunday.

This year, as I've just signed onto the Greek study thread in Keryg, that will be my study for several Lents to come, perhaps!
 
Posted by The One and Only Nanny Ogg (# 1176) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Henry Troup:
I have a piggy bank in which the money I don't spend (e.g. I fast from the vending machine at the office) accumulates. At Easter it goes to a worthy cause.
We're doing something similar to this at our church this Lent.

You take a jam jar and put your lose change (1p & 2p) in it over Lent. The money raised is going to Water Aid - we will be sending a cheque NOT the coins [Big Grin]

Another thing you can do is clear out your clutter. Have an assessment of your belongings and get rid of what you don't need - a good questions to ask when asesseing your clutter are:


Then give the items to a charity shop, a person you know could use them, church (especially Christian music & books).

If you decide to sell them on E-bay then give that money to charity.

Clutter also means things that tie you to the past. It can be painful but get rid of the things that remind you of bad times, trinkets that hold to you past relationships, things that give you negative feelings.

One piece of good advice I got was to only have photos where people are smiling.

It's difficult to do - but once you've started it becomes easier!

[ 25. February 2006, 09:42: Message edited by: The One and Only Nanny Ogg ]
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Emma.:
um - just as a slight tangent.... Why do we "give things up" for lent?? or make positive steps etc?
My understanding is that Lent was originally the time new converts did membership classes being baptised on Easter Day. They of course looked at their life and decided how to reform it, in the light of the Gospel. Later as time went on Lent became a season where the whole church, not just those seeking baptism, spent time reconsidering their life in the light faith and taking action of repentance. So it became a general season of repentance, fasting and other spiritual discipline. This has so fallen by the wayside these days that we now take give things up or take them on for lent.

Realised that half of that is a paraphrase from the CofE ashing service which takes place on Ash Wednesday. I suggest you try one Emma.

However maybe a thread in Ecclesiantes would be more appropriate for these questions.

Jengie

[ 25. February 2006, 10:14: Message edited by: Jengie Jon ]
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
thanks jengie [Smile] And im happy with the "short answer" [Smile]
 
Posted by Doublethink (# 1984) on :
 
*Shows own ignorance*

I thought it was a practice to mirror Jesus' 40 days in the desert - with the aim of being more spiritual and fasting was a tradtional way of doing that.

Incidentally, what is a full traditional lenten fast - is it just no meat and dairy products or did people originally do something similar to ramadan ?

*Stops showing own ignorance*
 
Posted by Leetle Masha (# 8209) on :
 
Hi Doublethink!

Here's an article on the principles behind fasting by Fr. Alexander Lebedeff that I found useful:

Why We Fast

Best wishes,

Leetle M.
 
Posted by shoewoman (# 1618) on :
 
Another idea:

Stop complaining for a whole day. So don't complain about the weather, the bus being late, your boss, your lack of sleep, the coffee being lukewarm, the state of your daughter's bedroom, the government, you name it. Instead, smile, or pray, or just change the topic.
 
Posted by ken (# 2460) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by shoewoman:
don't complain about the weather
[...]
the state of your daughter's bedroom
Steady on! There are limits!
 
Posted by Pânts (# 999) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Doublethink:
*Shows own ignorance*

I thought it was a practice to mirror Jesus' 40 days in the desert - with the aim of being more spiritual and fasting was a tradtional way of doing that.

...
*Stops showing own ignorance*
Me too!
 
Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Rossweisse:
quote:
Originally posted by Simon:
Thanks for the new ideas so far... excellent stuff. I'd offer a prize of chocolate for the best suggestion, but it doesn't seem to be quite in the spirit of Lent.
There's always Scotch instead.
Or, perhaps more in the spirit of Lent, you could buy a goat or a water filter or something for a Third World family (there are various charities that will arrange this) with the money you would have spent on the recipient, then tell the recipient so.

[ 25. February 2006, 17:31: Message edited by: Ariel ]
 
Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Huia:
quote:
Originally posted by LutheranChik:
Actually praying for your enemies. (An ideal that I fear is often not translated into reality.)

I did this last year - it was really hard. Because of my personal history and because of how they are hated in society, I chose to research paedophilia and pray for paeophiles as well as those whom they offend against.

I didn't do very well, and am undecided whether to attempt this again.

Huia
Um, to paraphrase St. Lewis, if we're going to try praying for our enemies, maybe we'd better start with something a bit easier than the Gestapo. [Biased]

What about praying for that obnoxious woman at the desk by the water cooler?
 
Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by ken:
quote:
Originally posted by shoewoman:
don't complain about the weather
[...]
the state of your daughter's bedroom
Steady on! There are limits!
No, no, this may be EXACTLY the sort of killer discipline I most need.

Ross
 
Posted by Foolhearty (# 6196) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ariel:
quote:
Originally posted by Rossweisse:
quote:
Originally posted by Simon:
Thanks for the new ideas so far... excellent stuff. I'd offer a prize of chocolate for the best suggestion, but it doesn't seem to be quite in the spirit of Lent.
There's always Scotch instead.
Or, perhaps more in the spirit of Lent, you could buy a goat or a water filter or something for a Third World family (there are various charities that will arrange this) with the money you would have spent on the recipient, then tell the recipient so.
Perhaps the water filter.

Perhaps not the goat. See here, or the relevant "Unusual Punishment" Hell thread.
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
[Killing me]
 
Posted by BanneR LadY (# 10505) on :
 
Sing a new song (ie not the same thing each day)every morning when you wake up. (For the very unmusical you may have to hum, or do this under the shower).

Speak a scripture from the bible out loud every evening before you go to bed.
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lamb Chopped:
Huia Um, to paraphrase St. Lewis, if we're going to try praying for our enemies, maybe we'd better start with something a bit easier than the Gestapo. [Biased]

What about praying for that obnoxious woman at the desk by the water cooler?
If I was just beginning to pray for my 'enemies' I might start where you suggest but I already do that kind of day to day stuff, and I'm not denying it too can be a challenge. However this time I decided to pray directly for some people who have affected my life deeply.

Huia

[ 25. February 2006, 23:07: Message edited by: Huia ]
 
Posted by The Prophetess (# 1439) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Huia:
I didn't do very well
How do you know?

I'm not asking for you to share details of your prayer life---I simply mean that ISTM whether you "did well" or not might well be for God to decide...
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Thanks Prophetess, you're right of course.

Huia
 
Posted by kbe323 (# 9837) on :
 
How about this....if you really feel as though you want to give up something for Lent, DON'T give anything up. In doing that you are giving up giving up for Lent.
 
Posted by kbe323 (# 9837) on :
 
..and another thought on giving up something for Lent.

To give up something in the hope of obtaining something else for yourself (i.e., advancing your personal spiritual standing or giving you something to crow about to your spiritual family)poses a problem. Even if that is only a part of the reason you give up things for Lent, doesn't that make it an ego-centered event and as such an ultimately counterproductive one? Shouldn't it be done solely out of love of God?
 
Posted by leo (# 1458) on :
 
A little snippet from my forthcoming Ash Wednesday sermon:

St. John Chrysostom: Do not let only your mouth fast
Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice.
Let the ear fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip.
Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.
For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers?

To which I added from someone else's online sermon, not too long to infringe copyright:

Fast from complaining, and feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives, and feast on affirmatives.
Fast from self-concern, and feast on compassion for others.
Fast from idle gossip, and feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from emphasis on differences, and feast on the unity of life.
Fast from discontent, and feast on gratitude.
Fast from facts that depress, and feast on verities that uplift.
Fast from problems that overwhelm, and feast on prayer that undergirds.
 
Posted by BassoProfundo (# 11008) on :
 
Sounds like a great sermon, leo!
 
Posted by fisher (# 9080) on :
 
Late addition:

Buy a day pass for your local city buses and spend an afternoon at least going to the end of the lines, through places you've not visited. Get off if you want, or just watch the other passengers. Probably isn't exactly spiritual, but it is an interesting experience.
 
Posted by Simon (# 1) on :
 
Thanks for all the creative ideas. The feature is now online here...

http://shipoffools.com/lent/

We'll be publishing the ideas in instalments of 10 days, so the first 10 days only are now up. Please carry on contributing ideas on this thread -- I'll be using a selection of them in the next instalment. Thanks again!
 
Posted by Pendragon (# 8759) on :
 
Try a different style of worship: go to a service you wouldn't normally (at your own church or elsewhere.) Churches often have special services such as Stations of the Cross.

Pray using a rosary or icon or similar as a focus, especially if it's not something you normally do.
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I gave up church for Lent one year [Hot and Hormonal]

Huia
 
Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Drive at the speed limit or less.

You would be surprised at how little difference to your time driving over the limit (even fractionally) would save. It mighht feel like you are getting there quicker, but the difference is negligable.

Also it's nice to slow the pace of life, even if you are rushed.
 
Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Catrine:
Drive at the speed limit or less.
Or just don't drive for a day. At all.
 
Posted by Sparrow (# 2458) on :
 
I don't know if it's just my browser or what, but when I click on Day 1 I just get a load of gibberish. The others are ok.
 
Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Catrine:
Drive at the speed limit or less. ...
But be careful, because you don't want to enrage the drivers behind you who are running late for an important appointment, and who will not understand why you're going so slowly. (Perhaps you should go under the speed limit ONLY on four-lane roads.)

Ross
 
Posted by ACOL-ite (# 4991) on :
 
I don't know the US highway code, but in the UK it is contrary to it either to drive too fast or too slow. I once failed a practice driving test for driving too slowly!
 
Posted by Hazey Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Take some time to think about the people who are important to you. Think about what your life would be like if you had to 'give them up'. Make them aware of at least one thing that you appreciate about them. Thank God for their presence in your life.
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
A little problem - being disorganised, I only decided to try these ideas today.
So I click on Day 1 and find that, actually, I shouldn't be here at all, as I should be staying off-line.
Oops. [Hot and Hormonal]

So,as has been said elsewhere, I'll get me coat! cheerio!
 
Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Catrine:
Drive at the speed limit or less.
So shoot my imprecision, my point really was that I am aware that over the limit driving is illegal, as is driving too slow, but rather that we should be careful of our speed fits the road and that we don't go over, regardless of how rushed we are.

It's a safety thing rather than doing 20 on a 60mph road thing.
 
Posted by Hinematov (# 4766) on :
 
Plant a large seed, like a bean, in clear glass.

Plant it right up against the side of the glass so you can watch it sprout and burst open and grow.

Think about John 12:24
 
Posted by Matrix (# 3452) on :
 
I have been meaning to say thanks for honouring me by using one of mine.

Thanks

M
 


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