“The Sweet Seriousness of Lent” by Stephen Witmer
pg. 16 - 19
Reflection Questions and Spiritual Practices to accompany
Christianity Today’s Ever Approaching Dawn Devotional
Reflection Questions:
What are some ways you have experienced the paradoxical gladness and sadness or sweetness and seriousness in your life?
As we look around at the pains and injustices in this world, how does God invite us to hold hope in Him and seek His renewal?
Spiritual Practice: Memento Mori
Memento Mori is a Latin phrase that means “remember you will die.” It is a practice that has been around for centuries, used to reflect on the reality of death as a way to help us consider how we live in light of its inevitability. This practice is not meant to be depressing, but rather encourages us to focus our time and attention on the things that give life and meaning.
Steps:
Prayerfully invite God into this time of reflection.
Imagine the end of your life, how you want to be remembered, and the legacy you hope to leave behind.
Take some time to write down the things that come to mind.
Consider if there is anything this week that God is inviting you to incorporate in your life.
End with gratitude, embracing our finitude and remembering that death is not final for Jesus has conquered death (1 Cor 15:26, 55-57).