Ash Wednesday is a very unique day in the life of the church. Though it is not commanded or instituted by Jesus, it is still a very important day. Because this day allows us to look at our lives, look at the God moments, the moments filled with laughter and rejoice, but it also is time for us to be concerned. We should be concerned for the moments when we've been impatient, rude, judgmental, or prevented others from knowing Jesus. Allow Ash Wednesday to be the start of a new beginning, a reminder for you to live out your faith each and every day. Here are a few ideas to make Ash Wednesday and this season of Lent very effective.
1) Pick a passage of scripture and read over it several times.
One of the problems in our fast paced society is we see a lot of information and facts but we don't really absorb them. Now, I will say some people are gifted and can learn a lot just by glancing at a book or article or so on. For most of us that is not the case. We need to see and hear things, many times. I encourage pick out a book (now you won't make it through Psalms), or two of the Bible and read over them several times. Pay attention to details, insert your own name in the place of pronouns, pray each night that the spirit would illumine your mind to something new, and be amazed at what you learn.
I encourage you to read over many different books. Two of my favorite are 2 Corinthians or Philippians.
2) Pray really big prayers.
I'm sure if God had a nickel for every person who prayed, "Bless me." He would have A LOT of money! But, aren't we selling God short by praying such small prayers? Isn't the God of the universe capable of big, sweeping life change? I encourage start praying that racism would be eliminated in this generation. Start praying that the church would be so moved that they would seek to eliminate world hunger or water-borne disease. Ask God for healing for the victims of domestic or sexual violence. Don't sell God short. Pray big, and be amazed but patient at the opportunities that God brings into your family's life.
3) Try something brand new.
How many of us always play it safe? I do, often, and I will admit I do feel really guilty about that. This Lenten season try something brand new. Volunteer for a ministry at church. Start doing devotions together as a family. Begin to increase your monthly giving to your church or ministry of choice. Sponsor a child who lives in a poor country. Volunteer your time at an after school club. Step up to clean up at church after a big function. I think you get my point. The list of new opportunities is endless. It's time to step off the sidelines and into the game! Enjoy this Lenten season!!
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