Family Study for Lent
by MaryJane Pierce Norton

The church season of Lent is a wonderful time to start weekly family devotions. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday (this year February 25) and lasts forty days (not including the Sundays). Sundays are excluded because that is the day we remember Jesus' resurrection. Every Sunday is a little celebration of Easter and thus a time of joy.

Historically during Lent, the Christian church has recognized this as a time to deliberately become closer to God. Individuals and groups have engaged in Bible study, in mission, and in fasting to prepare themselves for Easter.

The forty days of Lent are symbolic of Jesus' time in the wilderness before he began his ministry. During that time, he was tempted; but he stayed true to God.

Provided here are Scriptures and suggestions of activities to use during a family time of devotion for the weeks of Lent.

Week 1: The Gift of the Widow
Scripture: Read together Mark 12:41-44.

Discussion & Activity: Talk together about how the woman in this story gave all the money she had. During Lent, how can your family give? You may choose to give up certain foods or treats and save the money you would have spent on these items. Then at Easter, give this money as an offering to your church or to a community project that serves those in need.

Use an empty plastic container. Decorate the container with symbols, pictures, and words that remind you of the Scripture you have just read. Place this on your dining table or in another place where everyone can see it. Each day, put into this container money you will give away at Easter.

Prayer:
Gracious God. You give us many blessings. Help us to remember to bless others through our gifts as we prepare this year for Easter. Amen.

Week 2: The Importance of Prayer
Scripture: Read together Matthew 6:10-14.

Discussion & Activity: In the Scriptures, we often read of Jesus praying to God. This Scripture gives us The Lord's Prayer. Can you think together of other stories you remember about Jesus praying?

We have a food that started as a reminder for people to pray during Lent. That food is the pretzel. Find pretzels that are formed into a circle with crossed pieces in the middle. The word "pretzel" comes from "bretzel," which means "little arms." The dough was shaped to look like arms crossed in prayer. Notice, too, that there are three holes in the pretzel. It is said that these remind us of God the Father; God the Son; and God the Spirit. Share a snack of pretzels together and talk about the ways you can remind one another to pray during Lent.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus: The prayer you taught the disciples is beautiful. We know we can use our own words to pray to you. But when we say the Lord's Prayer, we remember that you are our wonderful teacher. Thank you for reminding us that we are always to pray to God. Amen.

Week 3: The Great Commandment
Scripture: Read together Matthew 22:34-40.

Discussion & Activity: We have two very important commandments to remember. The first is to love God. The second is to love others. What are ways we can show our love for God? Make a list together as a family. What are ways we can show our love for others? Make a second list for showing love to others. This week, make a giving list for each person in the family. Use a separate sheet of paper for each person. At the top of the paper, put the name of the person. Under his or her name put ways other family members can show love to the person. During the week, ask each family member to do one thing for all others in the family from their lists.

Prayer:
O God: We do love you. And we know that one way we can show our love for you is by showing love for others as well. Help us in our family love and care for one another. Amen.

Week 4: Sent to Spread the Word
Scripture: Read together Matthew 10:1

Discussion & Activity: Talk together about what it means to be sent out to tell others about Jesus. Ask each person to think of someone who has helped him or her know about Jesus. This might include other members in the family, friends, Sunday school teachers, pastors. Together write thank-you notes to at least one person for each family member. Thank those who have helped you know about Jesus and his teachings.

Trace each family member's foot onto a sheet of paper. Cut out the footprints and write the name of the person on the footprint. Put the footprints in your home where you can see them as a reminder that we are to follow Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Lord:
Help us remember that what we do can lead others to know that you are a loving and caring God. Help us remember those in our lives who have helped us know YOU better. Amen.

Week 5: The Meaning of the Cross
Scripture: Read together Mark 15:22-39

Discussion & Activity: Sometimes it is hard for us to talk about Jesus dying on the cross. Because we know that he rose from the dead, we sometimes try to skip over his death. But this was what he was willing to do for people to know of God's love and care for all.

Ask each person in the family to say how it makes him or her feel to talk about Jesus dying on the cross. Remind one another that we use the sign of the cross to remember Jesus even today.

Another food that is part of the Lenten season is Hot Cross Buns. You can make these using prepared cinnamon roll dough or bread dough. Add a cross of white sugar frosting to the tops of the rolls. Eat these as a reminder that Jesus died so that all might know God.

Prayer:
O God: It is hard to think of Jesus, whom we love so much, being put to death on the cross. And yet, when we look at the cross, we are reminded that he did this as a gift so that we might be forgiven of our sins. Thank you for the gift of your son Jesus. Amen.

Week 6: The Meaning of the Resurrection
Scripture: Read together Matthew 28:1-10.

Discussion & Activity: After being so sad about Jesus' death, we learn that he is alive, and this fills us with joy! Ask each person in the family to tell of one thing about Easter that makes him or her happy. As each person says what makes him or her happy about Easter, respond by saying "Alleluia!"

Decorate Easter eggs together. We use eggs as a symbol of the new life we have because of Jesus' death and resurrection. Make a list of other things that help us remember new life.

Prayer:
God: We say together, "Alleluia" because Jesus rose from the dead. We see new life around us and we give thanks to you for all the signs of new life. Help us be joyful this Easter and never forget the wonderful gift Jesus gave to us all. Amen.

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