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<\/center><\/p>\nUnless you live under a rock or don’t attend a liturgical church, you probably know that Lent starts next week for the Western Church. (Those in the East have another month to go.) As I’ve now been at this for 20 years, I thought I’d share some of my favorite Lenten disciplines. Also… if you want a shot at picking mine for me, go here<\/a> before Friday and enter by leaving me a comment.<\/p>\n Spiritual reading.<\/strong> For the last few years, I’ve had some kind of spiritual reading component as part of Lent. I’ve done Igniting Our Values<\/a>, Bread and Wine<\/a>, and A Season for the Spirit<\/a> before.<\/p>\n My recommendations if you want some Lenten reading this year: any of the above as well as Jesus: A Pilgimage<\/a> by James Martin, S.J.<\/a>, Seven Last Words<\/a> by James Martin, S.J.<\/a> (I haven’t read this yet but am looking forward to doing so based on his other works), A Year of Biblical Womanhood<\/a> by Rachel Held Evans<\/a>, and Searching for Sunday<\/a> by Rachel Held Evans<\/a>.<\/p>\n Crocheting a square every day.<\/strong> For fiber junkies like me, crocheting or knitting a square a day toward a blanket to be put together after Easter is a good way to be mindful of the season and also get some creativity in. Bonus points if you can pray while doing it.<\/p>\n Dietary changes.<\/strong> I’ve given up meat, chocolate, and Coke before. It sounds really pathetic in comparison to the fasting guidelines that Eastern Christians have but it’s been an exercise in mindfulness to me as I’m forced to think about Jesus every time I get a craving for whatever it is.<\/p>\n Blogging.<\/strong> I’ve done faith-blogging every day<\/a>, blogging about Christian music daily<\/a>, and blogging about music every Monday<\/a> in the past. It was a good exercise in journalling and got me thinking about my faith and how I live it.<\/p>\n Prayer.<\/strong> Two years ago, Beth Anne<\/a> challenged me to find a church to pray in twice a week and Kelly<\/a> challenged me last year to pick someone to pray for daily including 5 “enemies”. Both stretched me and improved my prayer life.<\/p>\n Go love up Ashley<\/a> and the others<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Unless you live under a rock or don’t attend a liturgical church, you probably know that Lent starts next week for the Western Church. (Those in the East have another month to go.) As I’ve now been at this for … Continue reading