Seven ways to put faith back in your Lenten devotions

Give up television on Wednesday evenings... and attend a mid-week worship service. St. Michael Lutheran Church in Virginia Beach will hold Ash Wednesday services at noon and 7 p.m. Throughout Lent, the church will hold a soup supper and worship service each Wednesday evening at 6 p.m., beginning on February 20. Visit St. Michael, or check with your church for worship times.Has your New Year's resolution to work out more fallen by the wayside? Is your gym membership card collecting dust? Are you looking for an opportunity to start over? You can devote yourself an exercise regimen without losing the religious aspect of Lent--just trade in your iPod for a devotional audio recording. BibleGateway.com is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to listen to the Bible, offering multiple versions and readers.Are you planning to give up sweets or coffee? Donate the money that you would have spent on your morning cup of joe to your favorite charity or house of worship. Not only are you practicing Lenten discipline, but you're also acting in a Christian spirit of charity. Your caffeine headache may be a little less painful when you think of the good that your coffee money has done.View the list »
Ash Wednesday marks the first day in the season of Lent.

General Religion newsletter

Break into your Valentine's Day chocolate early this year; Lent begins on Wednesday, February 13.

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The Christian season of Lent spans the forty days prior to Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, a holiday typically marked by worship services and the imposition of ashes. Lent has traditionally been observed as a somber season of repentance, reflection, penitence, discipline, and fasting. During this time, many Christians chose to "give something up." Often this practice takes the form of abstinence from a favorite treat, such as chocolate, coffee, soda, or alcohol. Others opt to give up a vice, such as swearing or gambling. Some choose to refrain from certain time-consuming activities, such as video games or social networking sites.

For some, the connection between fasting and Lenten devotion is seamless, a clear reminder of the meaning of the season. But for others, the challenge of "giving something up" can detract focus. Keep reading for suggestions on how to make your Lenten devotion about more than chocolate deprivation.

View the list
  • Are you planning to give up sweets or coffee? Donate the money that you would have spent on your morning cup of joe to your favorite charity or house of worship. Not only are you practicing Lenten discipline, but you're also acting in a Christian spirit of charity. Your caffeine headache may be a little less painful when you think of the good that your coffee money has done.
  • Has your New Year's resolution to work out more fallen by the wayside? Is your gym membership card collecting dust? Are you looking for an opportunity to start over? You can devote yourself an exercise regimen without losing the religious aspect of Lent--just trade in your iPod for a devotional audio recording. BibleGateway.com is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to listen to the Bible, offering multiple versions and readers.
  • Give up television on Wednesday evenings... and attend a mid-week worship service. St. Michael Lutheran Church in Virginia Beach will hold Ash Wednesday services at noon and 7 p.m. Throughout Lent, the church will hold a soup supper and worship service each Wednesday evening at 6 p.m., beginning on February 20. Visit St. Michael, or check with your church for worship times.
  • A common Catholic Lenten practice is to "give up" meat on Fridays. Rather than force your child to dread the weekly salad, use this opportunity to celebrate Lent with your Christian community and create a family tradition by attending a Lenten fish fry. The Father Habets Assembly of the Knights of Columbus will hold a fish fry each Friday during Lent. (See the event flyer for more details.)
  • Do you want to give up a video game or favorite App, but aren't sure if you can make it? Ease yourself out with a substitute that helps the greater good. FreeRice.com offers trivia games in every subject from "Famous Paintings" to "Human Anatomy," even offering an "SAT Preparation" game. With every right answer, the site donates rice to fight world hunger. You can also visit The Hunger Site, where you can support eight different causes with the simple click of a button.
  • Is social media consuming too much of your time? Replace your daily dose of tweets and status updates with a Lenten devotional. These booklets provide short scripture readings and reflections for daily use. A multitude of Lenten devotionals are available for all ages, and many can be downloaded for your e-Reader.
  • Skip the Sunday morning sleep-in and attend a worship service. Make time each day for prayer. Devote yourself to reading one chapter of the Bible each day. Volunteer to help those in need. However you choose to observe the season of Lent, remember to keep faith as the central focus.
View the list
Suggested by the author:

, Virginia Beach Religious Holidays & Festivals Examiner

Alison Kowalski graduated from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, with a bachelor of arts in religious studies. She is a lifelong resident of Virginia Beach. Send Alison a message.

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