Do you generally give something up during Lent? Would you consider adding in a practice?
Lent, the season of the Christian Year that is typically observed as a time of simple living, prayer and fasting leading up to Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday [March 5, 2025]. But what is Lent REALLY about?
Many spend the time in self-examination and reflection as modeled by Jesus in Matthew 4: 1-11 where he prayed and fasted for 40 days before beginning his ministry.
What happened during those 40 days of fasting and praying in the wilderness? Our friends at the Upper Room say that maybe Jesus needed some time with God to sort through the major changes happening in his life. Maybe he needed a break from family, friends and his regular routine in order to see God [and himself] more clearly. Maybe he sought more time with God as he searched for direction and answers to the question that we, too have from time to time: “Who am I called to be?”
We, too are invited into this time of introspection.
Will you join this photo-a-day challenge and share with the community how you perceive each word of the day? No explanation needed. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.
In years past, we've posted the day's word each day on social media. We won't be doing that this year. But we're still keeping track of what everyone is posting--and you can too by looking at the grid below! As you're posting each day, you may want to mention that your participating in this daily challenge and invite others to join in! Tag us on your Instagram, Facebook or TikTok with #LentPhotoADay
You don't have to be a great photographer. This project is more about the practice of paying attention and being intentional.
Let’s start this 40-day journey together, sharing glimpses of our lives with one another. Let this be an intentional time, even for a few minutes a day, to pause, remember and reflect.
What scriptures do we use?
Our words are based on recommended readings from the Revised Common Lectionary--a resource many churches use for determining scripture readings and sermon topics for worship. The scripture pieces we used to inspire our words of the day are:
- March 5-8, Luke 4:1-13
- March 9-15, Luke 9:28-36
- March 16-22, Luke 13:1-9
- March 23-29, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
- March 30-April 5, John 12:1-8
- April 6-12, Luke 19:28-40
- April 13-Easter, Luke 24:1-12
