That time of year again
by Elouise
I didn’t grow up in a church tradition that paid much attention to Lent. A few childhood friends, usually Roman Catholic, talked about giving up things like cake, ice cream or cookies. They almost always fell off the wagon within a week or so. So why bother in the first place?
Nearly three years ago I revisited Lent. The short litany below challenged me to give up several things I greatly desire.
I let go my desire for security and survival.
I let go my desire for esteem and affection.
I let go my desire for power and control.
I let go my desire to change the situation.Quoted by Cynthia Bourgeault in Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, p. 147 (Cowley Publications 2004)
Several weeks ago I attended a Sunday morning worship service at a nearby African American church. It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I was warmly welcomed, and also felt somewhat lost. The pastor had invited me to hear a guest speaker/preacher.
I was happy to be there. Most attendees were African Americans. They didn’t worship according to spoken or unspoken rules and traditions of churches I’ve been in most of my life. I was out of my comfort zone, not always sure what to do next.
I’d like to believe I’m not part of racial tension in the USA today. Yet I know this isn’t true. In some ways, it chose me; I didn’t choose it. Still, I’m aware of my resistance to changing the comfortable routine I enjoy, especially on Sundays.
So I’ve been asking what I can do to get out of one of my favorite comfort zones, churches that worship the way I worship. It matters where and with whom I worship, and according to whose traditions. It also has the potential to change me yet again, from the inside out.
I don’t know how this will play out. Nonetheless, I’m beginning again with the prayer above, and another visit to this church.
Elouise♥
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 26 February 2020
Image found at bonhoefferblog.wordpress.com
Telling the Truth 
I cannot honestly pray this prayer. It is too much for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Marilyn, Yes, it’s a tough prayer. I don’t think it’s suggesting that we’re to do nothing. Like the 12 steps of AlAnon or AA, we’re invited actively to turn control over to our higher power and actively to trust that things will be worked out by our higher power. Sometimes this includes the option of being part of the solution. But that won’t be clear until we’ve given up the idea that we can control or manipulate change (as though we were God). And yes, it’s still a scary, tough prayer. In fact, I think it suggests we’re the ones who will change–and then maybe we’ll see things more clearly. Still, though, without taking control as though we were God. Sorry if this is long and convoluted….It’s a great comment, and I’ve been there before. Many times.
LikeLike