The Way of Lent
As a child growing up in a large religious family, I found that Lent was one of the most important ecclesiastical seasons of the year. Unlike the other Church seasons, Lent was a time of spiritual examination. We had permission to take a step back from life, as we knew it. The hectic pace and relentless demands gave way to a deeper sense of God’s mercy and peace. Lent was a chance to intentionally reboot and begin again. Such a shift in my rule of life was daunting at best. Yet, with a steadfast spirit, it has ended up being one of the most formative periods of my life.
For the last 30 years, my greatest companion during this season has been Henri Nouwen. Nouwen (d 1996) was a Dutch priest, professor and theologian who wrote profusely. In his book, “Show Me the Way,” he captures the true essence of the season. The way through Lent, he wrote, consists of “putting aside the works of darkness,” “putting on the works of light,” and “exercising daily prayer.”
As Nouwen, a master of prayer, wrote, “Praying means above all listening to the voice of Jesus, Who dwells in the depths of the hearts. Jesus does not force Himself on us; His voice is reserved. Whatever we may do in our lives, let us never fail to listen to the voice of the Lord in our hearts. Because in our restless, noisy world, the loving voice of God is easily drowned out. Each day, let us keep a certain period of time free for this active listening to God, even if it is only 10 minutes. Spending 10 minutes every day exclusively on Jesus can change our lives from the ground up.”
“Show Me the Way,” p.9
Listening to God is foundational, but to listen, we need to eliminate distractions. This takes time and cannot be rushed. It is a methodical process. Much like a detox or a dietary cleanse, Lent is a time to unclutter oneself from the voices of a noisy world. Whatever the hindrance, getting to know God on a deeper level is the goal of a Holy Lent.
If you find yourself struggling in your engagement with God, choose a Lenten companion to help show you the way. Lent is an opportunity to stop, be still and listen. It is a pilgrimage into the loving heart of God.
A Prayer:
Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being; We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupation of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
"The Book of Common Prayer," p.10
