People often wear masks during the Mardi Gras activities that come just before Lent. Masks symbolize the way we often try to hide something from those around us. Lent is a time of taking off our masks, of examining our true selves, of being real before God so that we can come to understand that God knows us fully, forgives us, loves us, and encourages us to grow and become all we were created to be.

In Matthew 4:1-11, we hear of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness, where he fasted and was tempted.  The journey Jesus takes into the desert -- the journey to be alone with God and to seek God's guidance about our true identity -- is the journey we are all invited to focus on during Lent.
 
As we approach the start of Lent, what do you need to set aside so that the glory of the Lord will shine freely through you?

When you want time alone to think/pray/reflect, where do you go? What do you do?

What might be the benefit of spending time in Lent examining your life, considering your sins, thinking about what God wants for you?
 
Here are some suggestions of practices for reflection and prayer that you could do during Lent this year, I would invite you to find what works for you:

Fold Your Hands
Say Thank You
Light a Candle
Sing the Verses to a Hymn or Favorite Song
Stare at something Holy
Repeat One Word or Phrase
Laugh
Create a space
Share a meal
Give something up
Pray Scripture
Ask Questions
I would invite you to find what works for you.
  
Prayer for Today
 
God, forgive me for holding anything back from you. Let my spirit shine freely, so that my whole life can be a reflection of your love. Amen.