Lenten Symbols in Our Home
Let our homes be a place full of things that help raise our minds and hearts to God. We see so many images that distract us from all that is good and noble and holy. Perhaps, during Lent we could have in our homes simple symbols to help us focus on what is important as we take the 40 day journey to Easter?
A Crucifix
We probably all have a crucifix in our home. If not, Lent might be a wonderful time to place a crucifix in a central place, as a stirring reminder of God’s love. Every time we look at it we could offer a simple short prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
May the Most Precious Blood of Christ, all His Blood, Wounds, and Agony save us, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Lord Jesus, I am sorry for my sins, I renounce all evil and I give you my life
Water
A simple bowl of Holy Water, can remind us of our journey to the font of baptism for the renewal of commitment and life in Christ. Each day we can bless ourselves and say, “Lord, may this water remind us of our baptism and be a blessing for our home. Bless us, as we sign ourselves with it each day.”
A Candle
Place a candle in a central place in our home and pray over it together as we begin Lent. “Lord thank you for the gift of your Light in the midst of all darkness. Let this candle be a symbol of our faith in your presence among us.”
Light this candle whenever we feel tempted, when we are experiencing tensions in our home, whenever we need special graces. What a wonderful preparation for the lighting of the Pascal Fire at the Easter Vigil if, during Lent, we have meditated on the meaning of the symbolism of Fire and Light.
If we have Baptismal candles given to us or our children at Baptism, place them near our central candle. Each day repeat the words that were spoken when we received this candle: "Receive the Light of Christ. ... Keep this flame burning brightly."
If we have the white baptismal garments that have been used in our family for baptism, they could be taken out and placed somewhere near the other symbols. (Or any beautiful white cloth could be used.) Repeat the words, "See in the white garments you wear, the outward sign of your Christian dignity. Bring this garment unstained to the joys of everlasting life."
A Bible
What about giving the Bible a prominent place in our home to show our desire for God’s Word in our lives. Daily we could pick up that Bible and simply, reverently kiss it.
Sand
Perhaps a bowl of sand can help us remember our journey. The Lenten candle could be placed in it. God led the people in their journey in the desert. Jesus himself re-enacted that journey to face his own temptations. The desert can be a place of retreat, where there is a freedom from distractions. It can be a good place to be led and to face our temptations.
Ideas from: http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1527
Try this for Lent: You might even continue this long after Lent is over!
1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you.
2. The first finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and priests.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for all leaders in politics, industry, education, health and finance, as well as leaders of our own communities.. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance. Pray especially for Catholics who give the appearance of having compromised.
4. The ring finger is next. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger. Pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them. Remember the Holy Souls in Purgatory who cannot pray for themselves.
5. And lastly comes our little finger --- the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Pray for your own salvation as well as that of others - that you will never lose the precious gift of faith. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective.
But remember, as in all prayer, your first thought should be Almighty God, His goodness and providence. Render Him thanksgiving, praise and adoration.
A Bible
What about giving the Bible a prominent place in our home to show our desire for God’s Word in our lives. Daily we could pick up that Bible and simply, reverently kiss it.
Sand
Perhaps a bowl of sand can help us remember our journey. The Lenten candle could be placed in it. God led the people in their journey in the desert. Jesus himself re-enacted that journey to face his own temptations. The desert can be a place of retreat, where there is a freedom from distractions. It can be a good place to be led and to face our temptations.
Ideas from: http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1527
Try this for Lent: You might even continue this long after Lent is over!
1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you.
2. The first finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and priests.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for all leaders in politics, industry, education, health and finance, as well as leaders of our own communities.. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance. Pray especially for Catholics who give the appearance of having compromised.
4. The ring finger is next. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger. Pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them. Remember the Holy Souls in Purgatory who cannot pray for themselves.
5. And lastly comes our little finger --- the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Pray for your own salvation as well as that of others - that you will never lose the precious gift of faith. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective.
But remember, as in all prayer, your first thought should be Almighty God, His goodness and providence. Render Him thanksgiving, praise and adoration.
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