Lent in our home

First, I want to say--any ideas we use in this house are rarely original. That being said, I read so many wonderful ideas I don't always remember where I heard them. So, I attribute these ideas to all inspiring bloggers everywhere. :) I'm simply sharing what we've decided to do with our family this Lenten season!

Reading and prayer for Mom


Daily Mass readings at www.dailygospel.org

Evening prayer at www.divineoffice.org
It seems I am not able to commit to praying all the hours, so I'm starting where it seems to fit most naturally to me.

Two other books I'm keeping close to my heart, for now.

The book of Proverbs. Read like this.

Praying the Sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary daily at the request of a dear friend for a very special intention. Praying the Stations of the Cross and weekly Adoration.



Reading and Prayer for kids

Reading through the gospel stories in

Savoring each Sunday Gospel throughout the week.

Reading selected Proverbs (and using them for copywork)

Memorizing and praying the Act of Contrition

Praying the Stations of the Cross on Fridays (a tradition continued from last year that my children were really enthusiastic about)

Praying the Rosary at bedtime (we pray along with The Everyday Rosary, but I may be looking for something to supplement this).

Weekly Adoration

Activities

Filling a prayer jar with our intercessory prayers we pray individually for others (we got this idea from The Lent-Easter Book and we have been doing this for a few years).

My kids have also asked to make a crown of thorns. I need to get on this, because I've seen them around online, but I really don't have a clue how to make one!

Fasting

We are turning off "Screens" as a family this Lent. I will admit, I still feel palpitations when I commit to this publicly. Please pray for us. I am allowing myself time to blog and interact in some spiritual groups I am apart of...but, even these I plan to be very intentional about. For me, the big temptation on a daily basis is mindless surfing and (gulp) facebook. The TV and video games are a big sacrifice for my children. I am proud of them that they are (reluctantly) willing to make this sacrifice in order to make more room for God in their lives. We have already decided we need to replace our key TV watching times with alms-giving. Wednesday we are brainstorming a list of quick things we can do for others--together and on our own.

We love Soup on Fridays, but I'm still looking for yummy (meatless recipes). If you have any favorites, PLEASE do share in the comments section.

I always enjoy reading how other families live out the liturgical year at their house. Two of my favorites this year are found at Sarah's post here and Misty's post here.

Ash Wednesday is fast upon us. I pray that you all have a holy, fruitful and blessed Lent!