Remembering why we pray – to deepen our relationship with God – can help strengthen our prayer lives. This Lent, try something new – or something you have not done in awhile – to get a fresh perspective on prayer. Follow the Stations of the Cross in your parish (learn about the Marian Stations of the Cross), pray the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary, find a new Lenten devotion on your favorite prayer app, or simply carve out some intentional quiet time without distractions to talk to God in the quiet of a church, your home or in nature.
Giving up something for Lent should cause us to hunger – whether it’s for food, comfort or convenience. Hunger pangs remind us that only God can truly satisfy us. Adults (ages 18 to 59) are to abstain from eating meat and only consume one full meal on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Two smaller meals are permitted but combined should not equal a single normal meal. Additionally, Catholics (14 and older) are to abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent. Meats include beef, pork, chicken and any other “flesh” meat. Fish and dairy are fine. Children, adults with physical and mental illness, and pregnant or nursing women are exempt from fasting. The U.S. bishops stress that “common sense should prevail” and that no one should jeopardize their health to fast. Consider also giving up a luxury or something that distracts you from time spent with Jesus – such as social media.