A Quaker Lent

If we are to examine Lent in a meaningful way, it should be in
connection to the story from which it derives – Christ's time in
the wilderness – whether that is part of our own belief
structure or not.

For a liturgical practice that is so drawn-out, Lent has a considerable degree of penetration into minimally-observant Christian society in Britain, and even into the lives of the completely irreligious. It doesn't have TV adverts exhorting us to excessive consumption, and it doesn't have a big punchy festival, although it leads up to one. But in my experience, a simplistic conception based on the traditional Lenten Fast is still fairly pervasive in British society.

As my regular readers will be aware, I have a recurring thesis in these posts – upholding the sense of the Quaker testimony concerning times and seasons, but seeking to see what Quakers might take from them to inform personal spiritual practice. Here, I shall apply that principle once again – to Lent.

Consciousness of the Divine

Be aware of your consciousness of the divine. Discern how it is greater at some times, and vaguer at others. It is not necessary to be always as aware as you can be, but it is helpful in many way to have a generally increased perception of the divine in your life; there are also particular times when it is especially beneficial to bring your consciousness of the divine to a peak.

It is thus a fit goal to increase your consciousness of the divine. There are many ways this can be achieved, including meditation, fasting, and the right study of scriptures and other spiritual texts. Try different things, and find what works for you. Practice and develop these techniques to promote an increasing awareness of the Spirit within and around you, and apply them when it is most important to be aware of the divine. Do not lightly set such practices aside for speed, or for the comfort of others.

Written August 2016