Welcome to the season of Lent, the time when we think about Jesus being in the desert and preparing for his upcoming ministry. During this season (which starts on Wednesday March 5th with Ash Wednesday), I’m offering you 40 different ways for you to grow your faith. Some are simple and can be done in a second while others take some thought and planning to accomplish. You can use these ideas in many different ways. You could choose which ones you want to do and leave those you don’t. You could challenge yourself to do a line in any direction or an x like bingo. You could also cut them up and pick one out of a hat. If you complete all of them by the end of Lent, you will get your name in the bulletin on a ‘wall of fame’. Write the day that you complete each activity inside the square at the bottom for proof. Happy growing!
“And after he [Jesus] had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.””
Matthew 14:23-33 NRSV