READ MORE: Why Do We Call It Lent?<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Does every day feel the same? Does it feel like you\u2019re in a rut? Is your prayer life the \u201csame old, same old?\u201d Welcome in Lent, this season of inner growth and spiritual sustenance. It\u2019s there on the calendar for you to recharge. Recharge.<\/p>\n Sometimes we don\u2019t even know what we want until we give it some focus. Until we write it down. Take out a pen and paper (okay, you can do it on your laptop too) and write a Lent plan<\/a>. Put down some goals. Things you want for yourself in your spiritual life. Things you want for your loved ones. Don\u2019t try to make it fancy. Just be honest. You\u2019re the only one who\u2019s going to see it. You and God.<\/p>\n READ MORE: 5 Things to Take Up This Lent<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n It\u2019s a curious moment. Those 40 days of Lent come just before Easter.<\/a> We have a time of self-reflection before we launch into the celebration of the Resurrection and new life. But think about what we\u2019re honoring. Those 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness were His preparation for a transforming ministry. When we give ourselves 40 days, we\u2019re discovering the Jesus within us. Finding our time to share with Him.<\/p>\n When we give up something for Lent<\/a>\u2014like chocolates or wine\u2014we\u2019re doing something sacrificial, not because it seems like a good idea but to give ourselves a reminder of how Jesus went on a 40-day fast. I remember when my wife gave up worry for Lent. Now there\u2019s a challenge! It was terrifically hard, but every time she found her mind turn to worry, she had to turn to God for peace of mind and sustenance.<\/p>\n READ MORE: 5 Fun, Easy and Faith-Filled Ideas for Lent<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I\u2019m afraid I spend a lot more time thinking about myself than I do about other people. I tell myself that it\u2019s just what you have to do in this world. You know, looking out for number one. But shouldn\u2019t number one be God? Jesus used that time in the wilderness\u2014God used it\u2014to face down the tempter. To say no. Putting Lent on your calendar is a way to re-focus and see where you need to say no. Fully explore the meaning of Lent.<\/p>\n READ MORE: 20 Beautiful Lent Quotes to Inspire You<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n It was the Spirit that sent Jesus into the wilderness in the first place. And Jesus by His actions makes sure the Spirit doesn\u2019t leave Him. The Spirit is here to guide all of us to a life that is new and transformative. Let Lent put your focus there.<\/p>\n READ MORE: 10 Inspiring Prayers for Lent and Fasting<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n At the end of Jesus\u2019s time in the wilderness, angels came and comforted Him. That angelic comfort is awaiting all of us at the end of our trials. Look for it. Welcome it. Invite the angels in. Lent is not just a time to say no. It is also a time to say yes.<\/p>\n READ MORE ABOUT THE MEANING OF LENT:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n What is the Meaning of Lent? The word \u201cLent\u201d comes from an Old English word that refers to the lengthening of days, the coming of spring. That\u2019s not how we usually think of it. Lent sounds like it should be dour and gray. A season of self-sacrifice and taking away. Think again. The meaning of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":127,"featured_media":27528,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[135,185],"tags":[55,12,30],"ppma_author":[476],"class_list":["post-17687","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspiring-stories","category-stories-of-faith-and-hope","tag-inspiration","tag-lent","tag-prayer"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/gpbookstore.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Woman-with-her-arms-outstretched-in-nature-thinking-about-lent-768x432.jpg\")
How to Find Meaning in the Lenten Season<\/h3>\n
Give yourself a Lent goal<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Look for the God within<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![\"woman](\"https:\/\/gpbookstore.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Woman-praying-about-the-meaning-of-lent-in-her-home-768x432.jpg\")
Do something new<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Where is the tempter\u2019s power?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/gpbookstore.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Woman-with-her-eyes-closed-thinking-about-the-meaning-of-lent-768x432.jpg\")
Be guided by the Spirit<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Welcome the angels<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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\n<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\n