Lent is traditionally a time when we increase our practice of prayer. We do this to come closer to the Lord, closer to others, and closer to ourselves.
Paul says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18). Are these practices present in our lives? Are we always joyful? Do we pray repeatedly throughout the day (and night)? Do we give thanks no matter where we are and with whom we are? If not, I believe we can. So let us try. Below are some suggestions as to how we may incorporate joy, prayer and thanksgiving into our lives more fully this Lenten season.
+ Lamentations 3:22-23 – Remember God’s mercy and compassion every morning when you rise and throughout the day, and thank Him. Find some way to remind yourself to do so, and ask God to assist you.
+ Pray the “Jesus prayer” whenever possible: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me [a sinner].” Pray it as you breathe in and out, separating the prayer by its comma. Or pray one word for every step you take.
+ Sing hymns or worship songs when your mind is occupied by nothing better or more important.
+ Pray the Lord’s prayer, maybe with the Trisagion prayers once, twice, or three times a day.
+ Examine your conscience at the end of each day. Confess your sin. Use Psalm 51 as a prayer. Go to bed with a good conscience, and begin the next day with a clean slate.
+ Ask God to rescue you from temptation. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
+ Make a prayer list for others, and pray for one person every hour.
+ Whenever you change your location, thank God for something new.
“Devote yourselves to prayer . . .” (Colossians 4:2)
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