Lent
Lent is a time set aside to reorient ourselves, to clarify our minds, to slow down, recover from distraction, to focus on the values of God’s kingdom and on the value he has set on us and on our neighbours.
- Malcom Guite
Most of us are at least familiar with the concept of Lent. In both the Western and Eastern Church, it is characterized as a time of self-reflection, repentance, and renewal as we look toward resurrection at Easter. It is the period of 40 days that begins today with Ash Wednesday, reminding us of the 40 days Christ spent in the wilderness in preparation for his public ministry. To echo Jesus’ fast during that time, Christians traditionally give something up for Lent.
Over the last ten years or so, folks have been more creative in their approach. Unsatisfied with the typical abstinence from alcohol, coffee, or chocolate, many will fast from social media, Netflix, or some other form of consumption that tends to occupy much of our time in these days of distraction. We recognize that there is a need to follow a rhythm of reflection and commitment to Christ that should involve more than just an intellectual endeavor; it requires some physical manifestation, something we do with our bodies. There are some truly inspiring examples out there.
However, a favorite of mine dates back to the 4th century. It is a prayer that both West and East turn to as a guide and model for our actions during Lent, the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem. This special Lenten prayer is brief and concise in its words, but in it, we find the whole meaning and depth of Lent. It is at its core, a prayer of repentance and resurrection. It acknowledges that Jesus Christ is the “Lord and Master” of our lives and makes a request for the passions of sloth, despair, a hunger for power, and gossip to be removed from our lives. Then the prayer pivots with a complimentary request for gifts of the Spirit to fill that void - wholeness, humility, patience, and love. It ends with the desire to recognize our own faults and refrain from judging others.
This prayer embodies what Malcolm Guite writes about Lent. It recognizes that we need a set time each year to reorient our lives, clarify our minds, slow ourselves down, recover from the many distractions that bombard us, and focus on ways to love God and others more completely.
There is also a longer form of this prayer that incorporates action, filled with crossing oneself, bowing, and full prostration. I love doing this prayer during Lent in this way because I can feel it in my body as I recite it with my heart. It is a full-contact prayer.
For this prayer, both prostrations and bows begin with making the sign of the Cross. To make the sign of the cross, put your thumb and first two fingers together symbolizing the Holy Trinity. Tuck the other two fingers in the palm of your hand to symbolize the two natures of Christ, fully human and fully divine. Begin by touching your forehead, move your hand down to your waist, up to the right shoulder, and finish over your heart with the left shoulder. A bow is made by making the sign of the cross, bending at the waist, and touching the ground with your right hand. A prostration begins with the sign of the cross and falling forward onto your hands and knees and touching the ground with our forehead. Here’s the full prayer with instructions:
O Lord and master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, fain-heartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. - Prostration -
But rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to thy servant. - Prostration -
Yea, Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother. For thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.
O God, cleanse me, a sinner . - Bow - (Repeat this line and bow 12 times)
O Lord and master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, faint-heartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. But rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to thy servant. Yea, Lord and King! Grant me to see my own erros and not to judge my brother. For thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. - Prostration -
Full-contact prayer indeed. We prostrate to fall before God in repentance and rise again as a sign of the resurrection in Christ. I hope you’ll give it a try, maybe even include it into your daily practice this Lent. I’d love to hear about your practices this Lent, too. You can comment here or on our social media platforms - Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter - unless you’re fasting from those for Lent!