As I shared earlier this month, I’ve decided to give up prayer for Lent. Maybe not all prayer, but lengthy prayers in my personal time with God because I realize how mindless, unspecific, and inattentive I’ve become in my prayer life.
That’s why I’m giving up prayer for Lent. Or at least long prayers. I’m committed to only offering God three word prayers.
Since I began this journey, I’ve found myself becoming more focused in prayer life, more sensitive to God’s presence, and more aware of my dependence. My prayers have transformed from extended moments of ramblement to hand-selected words of petition, thanksgiving, and worship.
Over the last two weeks something new has been happening. My prayers have slowly been reducing from three words to two to one until I’ve found myself entering a rich silence with God. Not the kind of silence that’s founded in anger or unspeakable words or a lack of connection, but a silence that sets in when two lifelong friends can enjoy each others company without exchanging a single word.
This kind of silence isn’t uncomfortable, but the far opposite extreme. The silence feels like that well-worn in couch, where you prop up your feet because the foot rest is the perfect distance away and you find yourself melting into the cushions. The longer you sit the less you want to move. Your eyes grow heavy, not because you’re tired, but because you’re rested, fully yourself, without any need to do anything at all–except be you.
In this place with God, the words are few, nearly nonexistent, yet I can’t help but find more refreshed, more connected to God than when I began on this Lenten journey.
As I’ve reflected on the progression, this transformation in my own prayer life, I can’t help but note that there’s a certain irony in the way we approach Lent. All too often the question becomes, “What are you giving up for Lent?” Responses range from chocolate to technology to potato chips. Maybe the better question is, “What are trying to lay hold of through Lent?”
If we asked this question instead, I think we’d find ourselves responding with much less predictable, even slightly surprising answers.
What are you trying to lay hold of through Lent?
Silence…..so easily lost in the cacophony of our modern world.
Peace…..so easily misplaced when we forget the importance of rest.
Joy…..so easily exchanged for empty marketing promises.
Holy expectation…..so easily traded for busyness and deadlines.
Myself…..so easily suppressed in the name of conformity and efficiency.
Maybe, just maybe, Lent is about laying hold of something, or rather Someone. In the silence, I’m beginning to find God in greater measure.
Now I must ask you: What are you trying to lay hold of through Lent?
Image from here.
I think this is beautiful. I can see the gains you’ve made, and get it.
I haven’t given up anything this year or done anything particularly regimented. But, Lent is always an oppoorunity to open up for more study. I’ve read, “The Last Week” by Marcus Borg and Jon D. Crossan with a study group this season for Lent. It has brought a new/richer understanding of Jesus’ last week, suffering, and death. I have come to a greater place of peace by letting go of my need to ‘understand it all’ and just trust God. Blessings to you and your readers.
Teri,
Sounds like yummy reading. I read the Faces of Jesus by Buechner this Lent and felt much the same way….Awakened to the person of Jesus. Hug to you…and may the celebration of Easter continue to stir your heart for God!
one of my favorite verses reflects your mood
Ps. 131
Lord my heart is not haughty,
nor my eyes lofty
Neither do I concern myself
with great matters
Nor with things to profound for me
Surely I have calmed
and quieted my soul
LIke a weaned chld with his
mother
LIke a weaned child is my soul
within me
Oh Israel hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever.
Thanks Margaret! Best wishes.
Teri
LaDonn,
Love that passage. Beautiful!
Thanks Margaret for the insight and focus!! I haven’t practiced Lent in twenty-five years. I was so motivated this season to practice this discipline. After a few weeks, I got weary of telling people I gave up sweets/sugar for Lent. It felt like I wasn’t explaining what I really wanted to say, so I appreciate your question immensely…
What are you trying to lay hold of through Lent?
Clarity…about who God is in my life and clarity about my identity in Christ and how to be His daughter on Earth.
Discipline/self-control…in what comes out of my mouth, my thoughts, and how I spend my time and money.
Freedom…from sloth, complacency, addiction to comfort and wanting things to be easy.
Thoughtfulness/conscientiousness…I want to remember driving to work and what my friend or coworker just said to me in that 15 minute conversation.
Life…the life Jesus said He came to give us!
10The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
John 10:10 (Amp.)
Thanks again Margaret!!!
Doe,
Beautifully, beautifully expressed. May God abundantly answer.
I have been laying hold of Jesus through Lent. I threw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. I let go of a relationship that has been slowly leading me away for the Lord, and have seen my intimacy with God grow exponentially. Amazing how much clearer He becomes when we cut out all of the distractions. Thanks for your little encouragements through this season. I appreciate what you do. God Bless!
Hello,
I found your website through A Holy Experience; then Amazon, then looking for where you write.
I am the owner of Under the Cover of Prayer, where we have guest bloggers as well as myself writing about prayer. I would like permission to copy this post on “giving up lengthy prayers” for Lent. I like the silence listening part – I need that each morning. I will link to this page.
I ordered your book for my Kindle – it says May 17th, so I hope I did it correctly. lol:)
Blessings,
Jan
Margaret,
May I have permission to reprint this in Under the Cover of Prayer?
Blessings,
Jan
Dear Margaret – I’ve written a lot on silence (maybe too many words), but this is a neat way to think about it – being silent in prayer I mean. And I love the image of the steaming teapot, inviting without being cheery. Perfect.
Your thoughts are a blessing – Dayna
Daynawrites, funny how we can think we write too many words on silence 🙂 Blessings to you!