Make Space for God by Replacing Everyday Habits with Prayer, Scripture and Christian Living
Make Space for God This Lent by Replacing Everyday Habits with Prayer, Scripture and Christian Living
Lent can mean different things to different people, but at its heart it is a season of prayer, fasting, reflection and preparation as Christians journey towards the celebration of Easter.
For 40 days, we are invited to consider what might be distracting us from God and to intentionally make more room for Him in our lives.
Traditionally, many Christians choose to give something up during Lent. But perhaps the most meaningful question isn't simply, “What am I going to give up?”
It might be:
“What am I going to make room for?”
Giving something up can create space for something better - more time with God, greater generosity, healthier habits, deeper prayer or a renewed commitment to living according to Christian values.
If you are looking for something a little different this Lent, here are four ideas.
1. GIVE UP SOCIAL MEDIA - AND PICK UP YOUR BIBLE
Social media has an extraordinary ability to consume time.
We might intend to check something for five minutes, only to discover that far more time has passed as we scroll from one post or video to another.
Imagine what could happen if, during Lent, even a portion of that time became time with God instead.
Try putting down your device and picking up your Bible for just 15 minutes each day.
Scripture is one of the greatest gifts we have been given. Through the Bible, we discover who God is, learn about His relationship with humanity and encounter the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
If regular Bible reading is new to you, the Gospel of John can be a wonderful place to begin.
You don't need to read large amounts. Read slowly. Think about what the passage is saying. Ask God what He might be teaching you through His Word.
Forty days of replacing scrolling with Scripture could create a habit that continues long after Easter.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
2. GIVE UP UNNECESSARY ONLINE SHOPPING - AND PRACTISE GOOD STEWARDSHIP
Shopping has never been easier.
With online stores, shopping apps, constant sales and advertising appearing on our screens throughout the day, it can be remarkably easy to buy something simply because we see it.
Lent provides an opportunity to consider the difference between what we want and what we genuinely need.
For the next 40 days, why not avoid unnecessary online purchases and use the opportunity to become more intentional about your finances?
The money you would otherwise have spent could be put towards paying down debt, building savings, helping someone in need or supporting a charitable cause.
You might also use a journal to write down your financial goals, track your progress and reflect on what Christian stewardship means in your own life.
Stewardship reminds us that everything entrusted to us, including our money, possessions, abilities and time, can be used wisely and generously.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
3. GIVE UP ALCOHOL - AND EXAMINE YOUR HABITS
For those who drink alcohol, Lent can provide an opportunity to abstain for 40 days and reflect on the role it plays in everyday life.
In Australia, alcohol is frequently associated with social occasions and celebrations, which can make giving it up a genuine sacrifice for some people.
But that is also part of the purpose of a Lenten fast.
Giving something up allows us to notice our habits more clearly.
Instead of simply counting the days until you can have it again, consider asking yourself: Why do I reach for this? Is it simply enjoyment, or has it become an automatic habit?
Use the space created by abstaining to establish something positive instead - perhaps prayer, reading, exercise, quiet reflection or another activity that helps you become more intentional about the way you live.
If alcohol isn't part of your life, choose something else you regularly enjoy - perhaps coffee, sweets, takeaway food or another small indulgence.
The particular sacrifice matters less than what you allow God to do with the space it creates.
Lent gives us an opportunity to examine our habits and ask whether the things we regularly choose are helping us become the people God calls us to be.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
4. GIVE UP GOSSIP - AND REPLACE IT WITH PRAYER
This may be one of the most challenging Lenten sacrifices of all.
Gossip can slip remarkably easily into everyday conversations.
Sometimes we may not even recognise that we are doing it.
Before talking about someone who isn't present, try asking yourself:
Would I say this if the person were standing beside me?
And perhaps an even more powerful question:
Could I pray about this instead of talking about it?
If something about another person genuinely concerns you, bring that concern to God.
Instead of discussing someone's difficulties, pray for them.
Instead of criticising them, look for something good in them.
Instead of repeating something you have heard, allow the conversation to end with you.
Scripture repeatedly reminds Christians of the importance of our words.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.” (Ephesians 4:29)
Imagine spending 40 days intentionally trying to ensure that your words encourage rather than diminish, heal rather than hurt and build people up rather than tear them down.
That would be a Lenten practice worth keeping.
Lent Isn't Only About Giving Something Up
Perhaps this year you don't feel called to give up anything at all.
That's okay.
You might instead decide to take something up.
Pray for 15 minutes each morning.
Read a chapter of Scripture each day.
Attend an additional church service during the week.
Keep a prayer journal.
Give regularly to someone in need.
Spend less time online and more time with your family.
Forgive someone.
Encourage someone each day.
Or simply create a little more silence in your life so that you have time to listen for God.
The purpose of Lent isn't to prove how disciplined we can be.
It is to prepare our hearts.
Making Room for Easter
Lent ultimately leads somewhere.
It leads us towards Holy Week, the Cross and the extraordinary joy of the Resurrection.
Whatever you decide to give up or take up this Lent, try to make it something that draws you closer to Christ.
Use these weeks to strengthen your prayer life, spend more time with Scripture, examine your priorities and practise the Christian values you hope will remain part of your life long after the Lenten season has ended.
At Christian Supplies, we have a wide range of Bibles, prayer books, devotionals, journals and Lenten resources to help individuals, families, schools and parishes make this sacred season more meaningful.
May this Lent be more than 40 days of going without something.
May it be 40 days of making more room for God.
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