The Lenten Line-Up: Movies, Oils, and Fasts
Each year during Lent I intentionally seek out ways to enhance and honor the season beyond my regular spiritual practices. Some things are serious, some things are fun, but they all elevate my experience during this holy time of year. I thought I’d share to give you some ideas and inspiration in case you’d like to do the same.
#1. Read Books & Watch Movies
Lent is a great time to use reading and watching TV as an opportunity to focus more on the Lord.
In the past I’ve watched The Case for Christ, The Bible and A.D. The Bible Continues on Netflix. I absolutely loved them and often rewatch them at this time of the year. You can find plenty of options in the religious category. I’ve heard The Chosen is good and look forward to watching it!
The world is your oyster when it comes to Christian focused books! Whether it’s a devotional, Bible study, non-fiction or historical fiction - choose whatever draws you in and let it be a way you connect more with the Lord. Of course, the BEST book to read during Lent, and at all times of the year, is The Bible. But if you’re a verocious reader like I am, you’re always looking for a good book. Choose one that will make this Lenten season more meaningful and enjoyable.
#2. Use Essential Oils
Several years ago, I had a goal of using my Ancient Oils of Scripture set on a daily basis during Lent. Diffusing and/or applying these oils daily gave me another way to focus my attentions on the Lord.
Using oils from the healing plants that God made enhanced my sense of connection with His earthly provision.
Speaking of books, I HIGHLY recommend this book about the Ancient Oils of Scripture. It is a fascinating read about the healing properties of the holy oils.
The set includes:
Aloes (Sacred Sandalwood): Believed to be made from fragrant sandalwood, aloes were a gift Nicodemus brought to Jesus. (John 19:39)
Cassia: Cassia was a key ingredient in the incense used in temple worship. (Psalms 45:8)
Cedarwood: The “cedars of Lebanon” were acclaimed for their durability and used to build Solomon’s famous temple. (1 Kings 4:33)
Cypress: This oil is extracted from the cypress tree, which has wood so durable that the cypress doors of Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica show no sign of decay even after 1,200 years. (Isaiah 44:14)
Frankincense: The Hebrew word for frankincense, levonah, is used in the Bible 22 times, making it one of the most recognized materials in scripture. (Song of Solomon 3:6)
Hyssop: Biblical references to this plant indicate it was likely used in practices and rituals intended to purify and cleanse. (Psalms 51:7)
Myrrh: One of the key ingredients in Moses’ holy anointing oil, myrrh was highly regarded by Biblical figures such as David and Solomon. (Proverbs 7:17)
Myrtle: Sukkot, commonly translated as Feast of Tabernacles, includes myrtle branches in its ceremony. (Nehemiah 8:15)
Onycha: Onycha was an ingredient in the “pure and holy” perfume or incense the Lord commanded Moses to make. (Exodus 30:34)
Rose of Sharon (Cistus): This rock rose has a sweet, honey-like scent and may be the flower referred to as the Rose of Sharon. (Song of Solomon 2:1)
You could choose one oil to focus on during the season. Frankincense is a great meaningful and multi-tasking oil. It’s good for everything!
#3. Do A Weekly SuperFast
A SuperFast is a fast beyond the typical 12-16 hour period of intermittent fasting. In my Feast 2 Fast program, we usually do one SuperFast during the last week of the program. But in Feast 2 Fast for Lent, we do a weekly SuperFast to really step up the Lenten experience.
We use the Fast as an opportunity to Feast on the Lord. I encourage Feast 2 Fasters to pray, read scripture, blast worship music, write in journals, walk in nature, diffuse a holy oil…anything to enhance the experience of spending time with God.
The SuperFasts are so special and really magnify the Lenten season. If you are interested in joining Feast 2 Fast for Lent you can sign up here. If you’ve never tried fasting, it is a wonderful spiritual and health discipline worth integrating in to your life.
#4. Give Up Something
This is the most traditional thing to do during Lent. One year I gave up my beloved coconut milk creamer that goes into my coffee. It doesn’t sound like much but, believe me, its absence triggered me to think about the Lord first thing every single morning and offer up a prayer in its place. So big or small, try giving something up.
Fill the gap with prayer and thanksgiving for what you do have.
What are your plans for Lent? Let me know in the comments if you have any recommendations. I’d love to hear of more ways to bring purpose and intention to this holy time in our Christian lives.