Lenten Preparation

I hang out with a group of Moms every second Thursday morning. Usually we chat, drink coffee, and eat snacks. Last week, the coordinator, Michelle, gave us a challenge. She encouraged each woman to share one healthy habit that they would like to implement. The idea is that we will hold each other accountable to developing these habits by checking in in two weeks to see if we've established the habit. If we have, we are welcome to add another habit to the list. If not, we don't add anything new until the first is established in our life.

With Lent approaching (Ash Wednesday is Feb. 13^th), I've been thinking about holy habits – activities we do regularly that draw us near to God. When it comes to these spiritual habits (or disciplines), I am leaning towards the approach that our coffee group has: develop one habit at a time. I know that there are many activities that will help us grow in our faith in God - such as prayer, Bible study, Scripture memorization, giving to the needy, fellowship, worship, and acts of service – but from what I know of myself and others, we can't start it all at once. So this Lent, I encourage you to firmly establish one holy habit* that will continue after Lent is over and we are in the joyful season of Easter. Something that you want to be apart of your life no matter what season of life or the church year you are in.

But what habit?

Well, that is something that you have to decide for yourself. You know yourself and your situation. You are the one responsible before God for your life.

Does that mean that you have to figure it all out on your own? No. We have the Holy Spirit – our Teacher and Guide – and we have each other. So I've put together some questions that could help you determine the holy habit you want to implement.

Questions to ask yourself to discern what habit to form:

1. What am I dissatisfied with in my life with God? The Church?
2. What has the Lord been speaking to me about and I have yet to take action on it?
3. How do I grow spiritually?
4. What do I need for my soul to be nourished?
5. Where can I find what I need?
6. What resources has God provided for me? (For example: time, other people, books, motivation)

Questions to ask yourself to implement the habit:

7. What do I need to put into my life in order to develop this habit?
8. What would this habit be replacing in my life?
9. What other aspects of my life could be disrupted if I start this habit?
10. How can I establish this habit during Lent? Be very specific and address: time of day, location, particulars of the activity.
11. Is it feasible to continue this after Lent?
12. What potential barriers do I see to establishing this habit?
13. What can I do (with God's help) to remove the barriers? 

It is very important that you are honest with yourself as you answer these questions. Idealism does not bring about real change. Trusting and obeying God does!

 

A final word: don't be legalistic about your habits. Habits are things we do habitually.... usually... regularly. If for some reason you are unable to do your chosen activity one day, no big deal. The important thing is that you have a lifestyle which includes this habit that draws you near to God, not that you take pride in having done that activity everyday for the rest of your life.

 

If you have any additional input that you want to add to this blog to help others determine holy habits, please feel free to comment. I'd love to hear from you.

 

Peace and Grace in Christ,

Tracy

 

*Of note: I am not saying that you should only have one spiritual discipline that you do during Lent. There are many things you might want to partake in. Matthew 6:1-18 talks about three: giving, praying, and fasting. All I am suggesting is that one of the things you do over the Lenten period be a habit that will continue on after Lent as a regular part of your spiritual growth.