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10 Powerful Bible Prayers of Affirmation

Posted on by Bob Hostetler

We all know there are different kinds of prayers: petition (asking for oneself), intercession (asking for others), praise (telling God how great He is), lament (complaining and crying out our sorrows to God), and confession (admitting our sins to God), and so on. But one of the more neglected forms of prayer is affirmation.

Prayers of affirmation are telling ourselves (while God listens, of course) things that are true and helpful. They’re a way of obeying the command to focus on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable . . . excellent or praiseworthy” (Philippians 4:8 NIV).

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I’ve found affirmations to be an important part of my prayer life, and I have a number that I pull out repeatedly. For example, when I’m feeling troubled or stressed, I’ll often pray, “I’m in your hands.” It’s not a request; it’s a reminder of something I know to be true, and something that tells my heart and mind to settle down and trust in God. Another frequent affirmation is, “Here I am,” reminding myself that I’m always in God’s presence but need to be aware and available for Him to speak to me and use me.

Along with that prayer, I turn often to Bible affirmations such as the following:

  1. The Lord is with you, mighty warrior (Judges 6:12 NIV).
  2. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8 NIV).
  3. The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need (Psalm 23:1 GNT).
  4. The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 NIV).
  5. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comfort delights my soul (Psalm 94:19 NASB).
  6. My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2 NIV).
  7. In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 NIV).
  8. When I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV).
  9. Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power (Ephesians 6:10 NIV).
  10. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer (1 Peter 3:12 NIV).

You may choose to print out this list and keep it handy. You might memorize one a week, repeating it often throughout your day. You may even want to compile a list of your own affirmations—say, for times when you need courage or peace, or a list focusing on some recurring situation.

Whatever affirmations resonate the most with you, keep in mind that the best affirmations are those that counter the lies you tend to believe about God, yourself, and the world around you with the truth and beauty of what God says.

10 Great Places to Take a Prayer Retreat

Posted on by Bob Hostetler

If you’ve never taken a prayer retreat, you are missing a great opportunity to draw closer to God and experience blessing and breakthrough in your spiritual life. I’ve certainly experienced that in my own life, and so I am often on the lookout for new and welcoming places to take a prayer retreat. I’ve enjoyed the hospitality of several Catholic monasteries and retreat centers, thanks to the monastic tradition in Orthodox Christianity. Below is a list of some of the places I have visited and others I hope to visit someday (you don’t have to be Catholic or Orthodox to schedule a retreat at any of them):

1.  The Abbey of the Genesee (Piffard, NY)
The Abbey of the Genesee is home to approximately 30 Trappist monks. It is located in the picturesque Genesee River Valley of western New York. The monastic enclosure encompasses about 1,200 acres of forest, ravines, rolling hills and a meandering creek. They provide three houses for retreats: Bethlehem retreat house is ideal for individual silent retreats, while the Bethany and Nazareth houses are used for group retreats.

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2.  Mepkin Abbey (Moncks Corner, SC)
This silent Cistercian monastery was established in 1949 on the historic Mepkin Plantation on the Cooper River, north of Charleston. It offers silent retreats both short (1-6 nights) and long (30 days). Vegetarian meals are provided. Retreats can be booked online. 

3.  The Abbey of Gethsemani (Trappist, KY)
Founded December 21, 1848, and made an abbey in 1851, Gethsemani is situated on more than 2000 acres of farmland and considered to be the “mother house” of all Trappist and Trappistine monasteries in the U.S. It is also the oldest monastery in this country that is still in use and is famous as the home of Thomas Merton. They schedule Friday-to-Monday retreats or Monday-to-Friday retreats in their air-conditioned guest house.

4.  St. Meinrad Archabbey (St. Meinrad, IN)
St. Meinrad Archabbey in south-central Indiana (near Evansville) was founded in 1854 by monks from the 1000-year-old Swiss abbey of Einsiedeln, where St. Meinrad lived and died. Today, it is a thriving community of 90 or so monks which also includes a seminary (more than a 100 seminarians studying for the priesthood), theological school, publishing house (Abbey Press), gift shop and extensive grounds. The guest house at St. Meinrad is very comfortable and the meals are top notch. 

5.  The Monastery of the Holy Spirit (Conyers, GA)
This monastery, begun in 1944 by 21 Trappist monks from the Abbey of Gethsemani (above), offers weekend and Monday-to-Thursday retreats, for which they request a donation of $80-$100 per person, per night. Most rooms have a shared bath.

6.  Saint John’s Abbey (Collegeville, MN)
Located in central Minnesota on 2,740 acres of woodlands and lakes, Saint John’s Abbey welcomes guests of all faiths and accommodates 12-15 people. Single and double rooms are available ($70/$95 night), as well as suites ($120/night). Group rates are also available. Meals are provided (extra cost). You can also arrange to meet with a spiritual director regularly (usually once a day). 

7.  The Monastery of Christ in the Desert (Abiquiu, NM)
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is located in the beautiful Chama Canyon wilderness in northwestern New Mexico, about 75 miles north of Santa Fe. The Benedictine monks there maintain a guesthouse for private retreats where men and women can stay for a minimum of two days and two nights (shorter stays would not help guests enter into the experience). Guests usually stay several days, a week, or even longer (stays of longer than a month require the approval of the abbot). There are nine single and three double rooms for a maximum of 17 people at the main guesthouse. A ranch house also offers three double rooms.

8.  St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery (Florence, AZ)
This beautiful monastery, begun by six monks from Greece in 1995, can be enjoyed by non-Orthodox Christians. A dress code (long sleeves, long pants or skirt, head scarves for women) is observed. Separate quarters and meals are provided for men and women.

9.  The Abbey of Our Lady of New Clairvaux (Vina, CA)
This monastery is a community of Cistercian monks living the Rule of Saint Benedict. They offer one-day, weekend and week-long retreats, as well as a long-term guest program. It is small, though—only six single guest rooms and two rooms for married couples (each guest room includes a private bathroom).

10.  The Monastery of the Redwoods (Whitethorn, CA)
Begun in late 1962 by four Cistercian nuns, The Monastery of the Redwoods is located in a breathtakingly beautiful area of the Lost Coast of northern California. The sisters—not monks—offer their hospitality either from Thursday until Sunday or full week retreats from Monday until Sunday. The meals are vegetarian.

If none of these strikes close to home for you (literally or figuratively), there are many more that can be found using a quick online search. Chances are good that a welcome awaits at a monastery, convent or retreat center near you. 

10 Bible Verses to Strengthen Your Marriage

Posted on by Ashley Lateef

I love everything about church weddings. It doesn’t matter what denomination or whether it’s held in an oversized city cathedral or a cute country chapel. (Well okay, I’m partial to the latter). I love checking out the stained glass windows, the altar, and I always, always, get choked up when the bride starts her iconic trip down the aisle, most often to the melodic tunes of Canon in D. Pachelbel.

It’s all about tradition.

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Another tradition that I look forward to is the Bible readings. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is often part of many services.  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

It’s easy to see why this beautiful and thought-provoking verse is a perennial favorite of brides and grooms everywhere. After all, it provides inspiration on how to make marriage into a joyful lifelong relationship.  Of course, marriage is not always easy; the media constantly bombards us with grim divorce statistics and the reality is that even the happiest of partnerships will inevitably encounter some rough patches.

What does the Bible say about marriage?

But right from the very beginning, the Bible shows us both the many benefits of marriage and the best way to achieve this spiritual union. Many marriage bible verses appear throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance and power of love. Genesis 1:27-28 states:  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply.” 

So, whether you are getting ready to walk down the aisle, are currently struggling with your partner or have been happily hunkered down with your spouse for decades, call on the following marriage Bible verses to help you renew your love and strengthen your union.

  • Genesis 2:24: Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (NKJV)
  • Ecclesiastes 4:9-11: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?” (NIV)
  • Romans 12:10: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (NIV)
  • Ephesians 4:2-3: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  (NIV)
  • Ephesians 5:25:  Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. (NIV)
  • Colossians 3:14: And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (NIV)
  • 1 Peter 4:8: Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (NIV)
  • John 13:34-35: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.(ESV)
  • Isaiah 62:5: For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.
  • Genesis 2:18: Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

READ MORE ABOUT FAITH IN MARRIAGE:

Yours Truly: Introducing Hope Springs

Posted on by Brett Leveridge

Want to take a fun little quiz? Each of the five quotes below is inspired by a Scripture. Can you figure out which verse?:

1. Love shared is love squared.
2. Turn gloom into blooms.
3. Let your inner child out to play.
4. The loveliest accessory a woman can have is a good friend.
5. If I Google kindness, I find you.

A couple of years ago when I came to Guideposts the first thing I did was talk to our readers about what the magazine meant to them.

“I always pass my copies along,” they said. Or “I give gift subscriptions of the magazine. It’s a great way to share my faith.”

But could there be another way Guideposts could help customers to share their faith?

That’s where these quotes come in. A team of us pictured a girl with a bright spirit and a knack for putting Scripture verses into her own playful, contemporary idiom. Her name is Hope, her quotes “Hope-isms.” We’ve put them on mugs, tote bags, journals, T-shirts, cards—a whole line of inspirational gifts called Hope Springs. We think you’ll love it!

I tested out one of our Hope Springs T-shirts on a fifth-grade school teacher. “That would be perfect to wear to school!” she exclaimed.

Every Hope-ism is inspired by the Bible. Of course, our real hope is that they will inspire you and then inspire you to inspire others.

Figure out the verses yet? Here are the answers:

1. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35).
2. The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose (Isaiah 35:1).
3. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).
4. The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense (Proverbs 27:9).
5. May the Lord reward you for your kindness (Ruth 1:8).

Find even more Hope-isms and all kinds of fun ways to share them at hopespringshere.com.

Yes! You Can Have Grilled Cheese for Dinner

Posted on by Holly Lebowitz Rossi

Oh, the beauty of a grilled cheese sandwich—the kind that leaves your fingers slightly shiny and makes your eyes go wide with joy. It’s the sight of all that cheese stretching invitingly as you pull apart the halves of the sandwich.

This diner classic is really appropriate for any meal, but in these days when cold temperatures and life stresses can strain our flavorful, comforting dinner imaginations, why not try grilled cheese for supper?

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First, a quick review of grilled cheese 101:

Buy bread—anything will do, but this is a great opportunity to showcase your pandemic sourdough baking skills…or to grab a special loaf from your local bakery. 

Spread softened butter, margarine or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, so some prefer it to keep bread brown but not charred.

Heat a skillet or griddle pan on medium-low heat. The goal is to melt the cheese and toast the bread, not “cook” the ingredients inside the sandwich.

Fill your sandwich with deliciousness and assemble.

Grill your sandwich for two-three minutes on one side, then flip for two minutes on the other—or however long it takes for your bread to be beautifully brown and crisp. 

Now, onto some sandwich-filling ideas that can elevate your grilled cheese into a delectable dinner. 

Quick Pickles
Pickles give a tasty tang to a grilled cheese sandwich, cutting through the creamy richness and bringing everything about the sandwich to life. A classic Cuban sandwich contains thinly sliced dill pickle, ham, cheese and mustard. 

But you can make quick pickles yourself to bring some zing to your sandwich. My favorite is pickled red onion—thinly slice the onion and submerge into a mixture of ½ cup apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of sugar, and a healthy pinch of kosher salt. Let it stand for an hour before spreading a thin layer onto your sandwich. 

Add a Touch of Sweetness
At holidays, my mom always served warm brie and jam with crackers. I like to bring that sweet-savory combo to my grilled cheese sandwiches as well. Stirring together some honey and mustard is a place to start. Or, add thinly sliced apples or pears to your sandwich to bring in some real fruit. Red berry jams like raspberry or strawberry are also beautiful complements to savory cheeses and meats like turkey.

Make it Meaty
Cheese is packed with protein, but sometimes you really want to lean into the meatiness of a dinnertime meal. Grilled cheese sandwiches are highly welcoming to any deli meats, especially turkey and ham, as well as cured meats like prosciutto or the flavor bomb known as crumbled bacon. 

Bring In Favorite Flavors
What are your favorite dinnertime flavor profiles? If you love Italian flavors, turn to a layer of arugula or fresh basil, a slice of tomato and mozzarella cheese. If you enjoy Tex-Mex, add guacamole and a thin layer of spicy salsa to Monterey Jack cheese. Asian influences could include a fermented food like kimchi, thinly sliced grilled steak flavored with soy sauce and sesame oil, paired with cheddar.

What is your favorite grilled cheese sandwich?

Writing Letters for Lent

Posted on by Brett Leveridge

I am terrible at giving things up for Lent. I try sweets, but I don’t really have a sweet tooth. I can’t give up caffeine because I don’t drink coffee. And during this stage of my life with young children, I don’t do many things outside of the house that I can give up. So one year, I decided to take something on instead: I pledged to send someone in my life a letter every day.

Each morning, I would see who came to mind, such as my brother-in-law, a niece, and a college roommate. I prayed for them, and then I wrote the letter, loaded with memories, hopes, and/or general life updates.

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As I poured into these pen-on-paper letters, my heart began to swell. I found myself dwelling on the good memories and moments in my life. What’s more, my mailbox began to fill up! Even people I talked with through email took the time to write back on paper, their letters creating kind of a holy space within our generally casual relationships.

I couldn’t keep up once Lent ended, but the 40 days of intentional practice taught me more about the meaning of Lent. And helped change my mindset. And These days, when I think of friends, I don’t just wonder; I reach out and wish them well and share my hope for joy in their lives.

Excerpted from Walking in Grace.

READ MORE ABOUT LENT:

Winter Walking: How to Stay Warm (but Not Too Warm)

Posted on by Holly Lebowitz Rossi

“There’s no such thing as bad weather,” goes an old saying, “only bad clothing.” 

Living in New England as I do, I am committed to the truth of this aphorism. Without it, we would be trapped indoors for most of the winter, missing out on the opportunity to fill our lungs with the bracing, beautiful, challenging air of deep winter. We’d miss out on the quiet, ethereal sounds of a snowy forest or the peace of a walk across the frozen ground of a field or park. And during the pandemic, we’d miss out on most of our chances to spend time with people we care about.

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But let’s get real—none of this beauty and joy is possible without the right warm clothing. And when it comes to dressing for winter success, more is not necessarily…more.

There are three main rules I follow to stay warm—but not too warm—while enjoying the pleasures of nature in winter.

1)  Warm Your Core
I’ve found that if the middle of my body is warm—my abdomen and solar plexus—I can tolerate cold temperatures for longer. I invested in a heated vest (powered by a rechargeable battery), which really does the job. But you can achieve the same effect by putting inexpensive hand-warmers in the pockets of a fleece or sweatshirt you’re wearing under your winter coat. I always visualize that inner warmth literally thawing my blood to help it flow smoothly through the rest of my body. This is an entirely un-scientific thought, but it’s a nice warming image on a chilly walk.

2)  Flex Your Layers
Crucial to proper winter dress is the ability to change it up, to be flexible with how many layers you are wearing as you start to sweat or get a chill. This is all fine and good—until you find yourself walking down the trail holding an armload of sweaters and fleeces. Think about layers that can easily be folded into a backpack if you want a break from them. Many down jackets are warm, but thin because they’re made for layering. Thick cotton long-sleeved t-shirts or flannel button-up shirts are also easily pulled off and tucked into a backpack without weighing you down (which, ironically, would make you feel even sweatier!).

3)  Protect Your Feet
As Lieutenant Dan told Forrest Gump in the movie, rule number one of staying safe in wet weather is to “take care of your feet.” The best socks for winter hiking are quick-drying, moisture-wicking and heat-preserving. That means cotton socks are a no-no, because they absorb sweat and hold the moisture next to your precious tootsies. Look for wool socks or synthetic hiking socks made of polyester or nylon. And be sure your boots are fully waterproofed!

How do you dress for winter walks?

Willow’s Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Posted on by Brett Leveridge

Ingredients

1 lb. fresh green beans
1 ½ tsp. salt, plus more to taste
¼ c. finely chopped yellow onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp. dried thyme
2 Tbsp. vegan butter or olive oil
1 c. cup finely chopped baby portobello mushrooms
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
¾ c. vegetable broth
1 c. unsweetened plain almond milk
1 ½ c. French’s Crispy Fried Onions
Coarsely ground black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Rinse and snap ends off green beans; cut beans in half. Add beans to large pot in which 3 quarts water and 1 ½ teaspoon are salt are boiling; cook for 5 minutes.

2. Drain beans, then plunge in cold water to stop cooking. Drain beans and set aside.

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3. In large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic and thyme in vegan butter or olive oil. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, then add chopped mushrooms and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more, stirring frequently, until lightly browned.

4. Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle in flour. Cook for 1 min-ute to toast the flour, stirring to coat the veg-gies and break down any lumps of flour.

5. Remove sauce from heat, and add cooked green beans and ½ cup fried onions.

6. Slowly add vegetable broth, whisking to in-corporate. Add almond milk while continuing to whisk until smooth. Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook 5 minutes longer, stirring frequently, un-til sauce is creamy and thick. Taste and adjust seasonings.

7. Toss well to combine, and transfer to oven-safe casserole dish. Top with remaining fried on-ions. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, until beans are heated through, sauce is bub-bling and onions are golden brown. Serve immediately.

Read Jessica Reed’s inspiring story from the October-November 2022 issue of Guideposts!

For more inspiring stories, subscribe to Guideposts magazine.

Why Winter Is the Most Positive Season

Posted on by Holly Lebowitz Rossi

There’s a Japanese proverb that says, “One kind word can warm three winter months.” To me, this means that when the cold wind howls, the snow flies and the night comes on all too soon, a little love, a little kindness and a little warmth go a long way.

Because the cold and darkness of winter encourages us to value the warm and comforting things in our lives, I believe that winter is the most positive season.

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Winter brings us inside, and it brings us closer to those we love. Walking a positive path through winter means embracing this opportunity, savoring low lights, flickering candles, quiet conversation, crackling fires and cozy activities from movie-watching to jigsaw-puzzling.

In winter, we might also find ourselves alone more than in other seasons. Enjoying our own company is a healthy habit to cultivate, and the peaceful solitude of a snowy evening can provide welcome space to daydream, brainstorm, journal…or play some festive music and warm up with a solo dance party.

Those of us who are gardeners look forward to the colorful garden catalogs that come in the winter mail. All things are possible when the ground is frozen solid and the growing season is months away. Let your imagination expand and plan to cultivate a garden that bursts with color and flavor. For that matter, you can use that same technique to brighten your outlook on your whole life!

Perhaps easiest of all, try sharing one kind word with someone you meet today. A smile, a greeting or an encouraging comment could warm winter months for that person—and for yourself in the process.

And if winter is less-than-positive for you right now, either because of the physical or emotional challenges of the season, you can always turn to the inspiring words of the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley: “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”

What do you think is the most positive season?

Why We Can Say “Happy Ash Wednesday”

Posted on by Rick Hamlin

“Happy Ash Wednesday!” Sounds like an unlikely greeting. What’s so happy about this reminder of our own mortality, not to mention a reminder of the struggles Jesus went through, culminating in the Crucifixion?

Celebrating Ash Wednesday

On Ash Wednesday in the morning, I will glimpse someone at the office or walking past me on the sidewalk with a smudge on their forehead. Before I remember what day it is, I’m ready to offer some Kleenex. “Here, if you want to wipe that off.”

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No, in fact, it’s not meant to be wiped off. Those ashes, whether you’ve gone to church that morning or not, are a reminder of our shared humanity. In a way, they’re always there. As the old hymn goes, “Change and decay in all around I see…” Not a particularly happy line.

But then the verse concludes with, “Oh, thou, who changest not, abide with me.”

In the worship service the ashes are administered with the sacred words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The mark of the cross. A holy sign if there ever was one. It might make us not want to use the phrase “Happy Ash Wednesday!” But remembering what this season is about might help us.

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Ash Wednesday and Lent

Lent has begun. For 40 days, plus Sundays, we honor that period that Jesus spent in the wilderness, facing one temptation after another. It was all part of what the Lord needed to do before beginning His ministry. Growing in strength and resilience.

For those of us in more recent times who have had to endure the various constrictions, closures and fears of the pandemic, we, too, have often had to ask ourselves: What’s most important in our lives? What do we treasure? What is our calling? How can we make sure we don’t feel abandoned?

In Lent we often practice fasting ourselves, just as the Lord did for those 40 days. I’ve tried giving up different things for Lent, but you know what was the best? Giving up my cell phone. Could giving it up make my Lent season better and give myself an actually happy Ash Wednesday?

No, no, I didn’t give it up altogether for Lent, but I gave myself breaks from it and its insistent calls on my life with texts and emails and news screaming out for me to pay attention.

Lent serves as a reminder that one of the greatest trials Jesus faced in those 40 days was being in the wilderness, away from His friends and family. Going for a couple hours without the phone is a sort of modern wilderness experience. A chance to honor the precious gift and calling of silence.

READ MORE: Is Lent in the Bible?

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Why It’s OK To Say “Happy Ash Wednesday”

Remember, without the Crucifixion there wouldn’t be the Resurrection. Without the sad fact and reality of death, we wouldn’t have the joyous message of eternal life with God.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, whether you wear a cross of ashes on your forehead or not, we all wear the mark of our Saviour’s death. And carry the promise of new life. Happy Ash Wednesday.

A Happy Ash Wednesday reflection: Don’t forget the good news that will come at the end of this Lenten season. It’s not all just trials. Soon enough we’ll be saying, “The Lord is risen, the Lord is risen indeed.” Whatever our suffering now, we, too, can celebrate that promise.

READ MORE ABOUT ASH WEDNESDAY:

Why Sundays Don’t Count During Lent

Posted on by Rick Hamlin

I don’t believe in actually telling people what I give up for Lent because that might sound like bragging, and the whole point of any spiritual discipline is to do it in secret and not lord it about to impress people. As Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them…” So you’ll have to forgive me for being oblique in this little story. It’s about a moment I was faced with the question: do Sundays count during Lent?

One Sunday in Lent we were dining with friends and the thing I gave up eating/drinking/thinking about was served. I looked with despair at my plate/bowl/glass and only took comfort in knowing that a friend at the table had given up the same thing.

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But then she dug in and ate/drank the foresworn thing. “Wait, didn’t you give that up too?” I exclaimed, blowing her cover as well as mine.

“It’s Sunday,” she said. “During Lent, Sundays don’t count.”

Do Sundays Count During Lent?

It’s true. Sundays don’t count for any Lenten discipline. Sunday is the Sabbath. Sunday is a feast day. Sunday is the day we celebrate the Resurrection no matter what season. You can take Sundays off.

Why Don’t Sundays Count During Lent?

Some of this is just a matter of arithmetic. At Lent we honor the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, praying and fasting, and if you count 40 from Ash Wednesday to Easter you have to skip the Sundays. They are not included.

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A Deeper Look at Lent Sundays

But those are just numbers. Here’s a better way to look at it. A Lenten discipline is not like a New Year’s resolution. It’s not some sort of good habit that you expect to stick to for the rest of your life. You might want to, you might wish to, but that’s not the point.

READ MORE: 15 Inspiring Bible Verses for Fasting

A Lenten discipline is just a wilderness moment you’re giving yourself. After all, Jesus did not continue fasting after his 40 days. He broke bread and ate with his disciples. He changed water into wine. He was not a dour locusts-and-honey guy.

During your Lent journey, every time you reach for that thing you gave up, you can remind yourself that you want to follow in Jesus’s footsteps.

The way I look at it, renunciation is something we do for only a season. We can learn a lot from it. It has its spiritual benefits and gifts. During your Lenten journey, every time you reach for that thing you gave up, you can remind yourself that you want to follow in Jesus’s footsteps. You want to be just a little bit more like Him. You want to walk in the wilderness like he did. You want to face up to your temptations.

But renunciation is only for a season, even during Lent. It’s only six days a week. Then celebrate on the seventh, on Sunday. The Lord is risen, the Lord is risen indeed. Even if Easter is not here and the sky is still gray and the lilies haven’t bloomed yet, we are meant to celebrate. You get a free pass on Lent Sundays. Take it.

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