A Simple Lenten Discipline for Parents and Grandparents

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 40 days (plus the six Sundays) set apart to be a time for prayer and reflection. It was created to be a time, each year, when we move closer to God. I would like to suggest a simple Lenten discipline for parents and grandparents this Lent:

I am inviting you to intentionally pray for your children and grandchildren every single day of Lent.

Parents, each evening, after your children are asleep, quietly slip into their rooms. Sit or kneel in the holy space created between you and your child and be still.

Grandparents, place a picture of each of your grandchildren, near your bed. Before you go to sleep, gaze at their picture, and let the love you feel fill your soul. Be still.

Your children and grandchildren need your prayers, but equally important, the love you feel when you sit near them or look at their picture, will create a holy space where God’s love will be present. That great love will bring you closer… to your children and grandchildren, to God and to your true self.

Jesus taught us that children are very close to God. “For I tell you that their angels in heaven continually look on the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10) Want to find holy space for prayer this Lent? It can and will be found very near to your children and grandchildren. They are our blessing!

Wishing you a Holy Lent!