Categories: uncategorized
Date: 24 February 2007 04:46:31
It's lent. In the orthodox church many people fast from animal products during lent, meat, eggs, dairy. This will be my third attempt at fasting. (And I'm not counting earlier disasterous attempts to fast from other things - although the particular fast I'm thinking of was actually quite helpful) Fasting has ended in very grumpy, tired, not coping people around here. I don't know how vegans do it. Maybe they give it up before they get old.
I found this great little article describing some of the lenten spiritual disciplines available. All pretty practical stuff. It talks about making a plan for things to do during lent.
The orthodox don't really talk about their fasting. It's something between you and God. And I think the most important thing about fasting is love and forgiveness. Love comes before fasting. Although for someone who is new to it all, it makes it a bit difficult to get practical info. if no one is talking about it.
So I'm going to talk about our little fasting plan. There is no danger of me bragging about it, because it's a pretty chilled out plan, but maybe it will help me to write it all down.
We have decided, no dairy for lent. Also no meat on Wednesdays and Fridays (Some Orthodox do this all through the year.)
We will make a little lenten icon corner. I have no idea how we'll do this yet. Maybe an empty bowl, a picture of
Jesus, a single candle, a white cloth.
Say the lent prayer each night
Lenten Prayer Of St. Ephrem The Syrian
O Lord and Master of my life!
Take from me the spirit of sloth,
faint-heartedness, lust of power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity,
humility, patience, and love to your servant.
Yea, O Lord and King
grant me to see my own errors
and not to judge my brother;
for You are blessed unto the ages of ages
Donate food each week to a local mission
Invite people over for tea or lunch
Be kind to and help people