We are sharing weekly Scripture readings, prayers and rituals to observe Lent at home. You can follow the series on the blog and/or download the full Lent At Home worship guide here.
Below are ideas for weekly or daily rituals to observe throughout Lent, as well as a devotional for week one.
Daily or weekly candle ritual
Create a centerpiece of seven candles. Traditionally, this is six purple candles and one white candle, but it can be whatever colors you like! Each week, you will light one fewer candle.
Tips:
- You may want to light these candles as you eat together or do another quiet activity that your household enjoys and is sustainable for the weeks of Lent.
- If you are doing the candle ritual daily, you may choose to read the story every day or once during the week.
Extra Ideas:
- Weekly Lenten meals. There are many ways to do this. Some possibilities:
- Cook the meal together, or invite someone over to cook, eat and worship with you.
- Make more than what your household needs, and share it with someone else.
- Have company.
- Be intentional in one meal each week about going easy on the planet.
- Make an inexpensive meal, and donate the money saved.
- Clean out and make space: choose one project for each week. Do a literal cleaning out of your fridge, freezer, junk drawer, keepsakes box, clothing, books, etc.
- Read all four Gospels during Lent. If you’re feeling ambitious, read a full Gospel in one sitting, once a week.
- This tradition works well if done intentionally. Every time you want that thing you have given up for Lent, say a prayer. Remember, Sundays are little Easters, so fasts don’t apply to Sundays during Lent.
Week one, beginning February 17
- Light all seven candles.
- Read the weekly story: The Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7. (Shine On: A Story Bible pages 194-203).Excerpt from this passage, Matthew 5:1-10 (NRSV):
“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
He said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - Pray:
Creator God, we confess that we are humans, created in your image yet often missing the mark. Holy Spirit, blow your wind through us and show us the corners that need to be cleared out to make room for you. Jesus, stay by our sides as we walk with you. Amen.
Or make up your own prayer, or have free prayers. - Blow the candles out.
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