Lent offers a perfect time to “do what we teach.” It is fine to talk about offering things up. Yet, we learn so much more when we live a Lenten fast.  In every family, a group fast can bring a grace. There is certain strength in numbers when it comes to changing behaviors. Weight-loss groups give us impressive statistics on the power of working to change behaviors with a team. So, as this Lent continues, we can look at our family’s needs. Where do we need to improve? What collective effort can support this change, and how do we translate that into a holy fast? Perhaps the house could use an evening of silence because of constant electronic media blaring in the air, or a call to prayer as a family. Fasting is meant to restore wholeness and goodness to our spirit. The deeper question this Lent is: What is missing in your family’s spiritual health?

Prayer is a skill. We learn to pray well by praying. As catechists teach children to pray, the explanation of prayer is far less effective than being sure that every lesson plan has a prayer component. Jesus said, “When you pray, pray like this.”  So it is for us. We can speak volumes about prayer by being people of prayer before we ever reach the classroom. In her book, Awakening to Prayer, Clare Wagner invites her readers to pilgrimage with her on a prayer journey. If we are struggling with prayer, Wagner points the way to enter into a relationship with the Holy Presence. This book is part of a series for women entitled, “Called to Holiness.” However, everyone can profit from the insights of noticing, awakening, thirsting, struggling, nurturing and transforming that create the framework of this book. I suggest leading your class in prayer sessions through Lent based on rituals in this book.

Prayer, fasting and almsgiving, the traditional spiritual practices of Lent, are good for us throughout the liturgical year. How well we live them out—during Lent or at any other time—hinges on our self discipline.