One week from today is Ash Wednesday, and I am so looking forward to it. It seems strange to be "really excited about Lent," but since I am a divinity school student I can say those kinds of things around my friends and it isn't too weird.
Since my whole life is about the academic study of God and Christianity, I think it's important to steer clear of anything really "formal" and try to tap into another method of communicating closely with the Lord. I don't think I can handle any more reading right now (as I write this I am postponing my planning for a lecture on St. Francis that I have to give tomorrow), so I want to try to write one sonnet a day. It'll be creative, it will make me really comfortable thinking in verse, and hopefully will give some structure (but a creative structure) to my prayer life. 46 sonnets in 46 days is a tall order, and I am guessing 43 of them will be truly terrible, but it's my offering.
I also can't wait to start the Daniel Fast again. I can't wait for that rush of health to hit me when the day begins, for the energy, that extra clean feeling - and a good reason to say no to a lot of things I shouldn't be eating anyway.
Dear Jesus, I pray you would begin to work in the hearts of all those who prepare themselves for Lenten observance. Rush to their care, and grant them the intimacy with you they crave. Teach each one what you would have them learn this season, and help us all to prepare for your glorious resurrection to occur anew in our hearts on Easter morning. Amen.
So glad I found your blog. It's the first day of lent, and here we goooo. We'll follow your lead on this. Looking forward to it.
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