Lent is a season of spiritual disciplines practiced for centuries in a variety of ways in the 40 days leading up to Easter, beginning on so-called “Ash Wednesday” in the Western Church (this year, 26 Feb.). During this time, it’s a great opportunity to set aside some reading, reflection, prayer and action aligned with the call to discipleship in the Gospels. At St Michael’s in recent years, we have recommended a guide to the season of Lent in the form of an acrostic: BELLS – Bless – Eat – Listen – Learn – Sent. If you are unfamiliar with these and their application to the Christian life, check out a book written by Australian author, Michael Frost, called Surprise The World (Navpress 2016).
We also like to recommend some helpful devotional materials to assist people in the “Listen” and “Learn” elements of BELLS. Here are some helpful on-line resources to access…
1. Just Earth app – a 40 day journey commencing on Ash Wednesday (can be used at any time though)
2. Deep calls to Deep – “Deep Calls to Deep is a 46 day journey into the mystery of the cross that begins in Holy Week and ends on Ascension Day (but it is suitable for any time of the year).”
3. Common Grace website has a few different devotionals for lent
4. Tear Australia is offering email prayers and reflections. See the website to sign up.