Observing Lent with Children
why it matters
Just a few months ago, we were celebrating the birth of Jesus and the promise of the New Year. As we look ahead, we see Easter on the horizon, another time of celebration. But what do we do in the middle, during the cold, dark months of winter? Some of us hibernate, some immerse themselves in sports on television, some cozy up in the kitchen making comfort foods. We find ways to avoid the uncomfortable.
The season of Lent calls us to do just the opposite. The 40 days that mark Ash Wednesday to Easter (not including Sundays) require us to confront the uncomfortable as we honor the 40 days that Jesus fasted in the wilderness and was tempted by Satan. Lent is a time for sacrifice in order to make space to receive all that God has for us in the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Lent is an important season for our kids as well. While it may not be appropriate to ask our children (depending on their age) to give up an item, a practice, or a food for 40 days, it is appropriate to spend 40 days immersed in remembering all Jesus has done for us. And if we want Easter Sunday to be about more than colorful eggs, chocolate bunnies, and wearing our Sunday best, we need to take this journey with Jesus.
As you prepare for Lent, here are three questions to consider:
How will you make sacred space in your home to observe Lent? Yes, God is everywhere, but it’s often helpful for both adults and children alike to have a special space set apart for spiritual practices. It might be a special chair, the family dinner table, or a corner of your child’s bedroom. Light a candle and visit this space daily during Lent to engage in spiritual disciplines.
How will you make sacred space in your calendar and rhythms? Will you observe Lent in some way for each of the 40 days? Maybe one day a week is a good first step for your family? Ask the Lord how he would like for you to make space during this time and then listen for his answer.
How will you make sacred space in your heart during this season? What can you give up in order to make space for spiritual practices that will deepen your relationship with God? Can you replace screen time with time in God’s word? Can you get up with the alarm instead of hitting snooze in order to make time for morning prayer?
Observing Lent is an intentional spiritual practice. Take time now to seek God’s direction and watch how he will guide you and your family into a deeper relationship with his son Jesus.
Free Downloads!
The Lent Paper Chain is an activity appropriate for all ages and easy to modify. However you choose to observe Lent in your daily or weekly rhythm, the Lent Paper Chain provides scripture and activities to help you and your family learn and live the life modeled by Jesus.
A Lenten Journey provides an at-home Ash Wednesday service as well as prayer practices that are featured in the Lent Prayer Chain.
Click below to open and print the pdf of these two documents for an excellent resource to lead your children through the Lenten season. If you’d like a copy but are unable to print at home, contact Brenda in the church office at 812-385-2910 or bwitt@hillsideprinceton.org.
we’re here for you!
As you move through the 40 days of Lent with intentionality both for yourself and your children, know that we are cheering you on and praying for the Holy Spirit to move in might ways, revealing the goodness of God and the love of Jesus in your life. And we’d love to pray for you personally during this time! Simply complete the form below we’ll pray for you by name. Share your images and experiences on social media with #hillsidefammin, and feel free to drop us an e-mail at s.carey@hillsideprinceton.org with any questions or concerns you might have.