I decided to be more intentional about Lent this year.  In a sense, to “practice what I preach.”  Each year I tell my congregation this is a time to work on one’s spiritual life or consider one’s relationship with God.

So, that is exactly what I am attempting to do this season.  I am reading a book that’s been on my shelf forever, one I always “intended” to look at.  It’s called Holy Adventure by Bruce Epperly.  I’m taking time out– or trying to– each day to think about my relationship with God and ask questions prayerfully about where I’m headed and what I’m called to do.

And I’ve been keeping a list of words that challenge me, words that seem to speak to what’s happening in my heart and soul and brain right now.  Words.  I love words.  These are all verbs, or intended to be understood in their active sense.  I offer them to you all as a challenge for prayer or contemplation or journaling.  There are 40 of them, one for each of the days of this season.

1. Welcome
2. Trust
3. Transform
4. Stretch
5. Serve
6. Repent
7. Weave
8. Release
9. Praise
10. Choose
11. Emerge
12. Rejoice
13. Experience
14. Refrain
15. Pray
16. Pause
17. Partner
18. Engage
19. Encourage
20. Reflect
21. Embrace
22. Create
23. Connect
24. Celebrate
25. Begin
26. Affirm
27. Claim
28. Act
29. Offer
30. Notice
31. Invite
32. Inspire
33. Lavish
34. Imagine
35. Hope
36. Forgive
37. Feast
38. Fast
39. Expand
40. Examine