Yesterday, we introduced Lent with our annual Ash Wednesday meditation: dust to dust. But since we’re still here (not dust…yet!), let’s think about Lenten practices.

A number of years ago, some folks in my church were talking about what they were going to give up for Lent. One said, “I’m going to stop being angry at other drivers.” I responded by pointing out that we can’t give up something for Lent that we ought not to do anyway!

A pastor suggested that giving up for Lent is OK, but why not add in a special practice or discipline? That’s good counsel. Our pastor has suggested using Lectio 365. It’s a very well done app with three devotionals per day: morning, noon, evening. I downloaded it yesterday and as a “newbie,” I was presented with a challenging meditation from the call of the first disciples, Matthew 4.18 – 22. It reads in part:

Four fishermen quietly plying their trade. But then Jesus turns up: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” With these ten words he catapults these brothers from

• The shores of Galilee to the ends of the earth
• From anonymity into unimaginable influence
• from predictable stability into lives of perpetual pilgrimage

The call to follow Christ has not changed. He remains the Great Disrupter, challenging me to trade what I know for the great unknown, and all that I own for a greater cause. – Pete Greig, Lectio 365, introductory meditation, bullets added

Now I’m challenged! How will Jesus disrupt my life (again – we didn’t expect to move last summer)? To give myself more of a chance to hear from Jesus, I’m cutting back on daily crosswords and word puzzles. I’ll stay with Wordle since it keeps score and doesn’t take very long, but everything else can be put on hold. I’m reading a heavy-duty historical novel on Pearl Harbor, which I’ll stay with, and there are two other serious books, recommended by men I trust, which I’ll read as I have time. But no light novels like the Agatha Christie mysteries I enjoy.

What to add in? Here are a few things:

• Think about new goals
• Watch The Chosen one episode a day, 40 episodes in all.
• Read Lectio 365 three times/day

I’m praying we will ALL hear his voice always, but especially at this time of year.

But Jesus would withdraw to desolate places and pray. (Luke 5.16, ESV)