As the season of Lent arrives, it offers us a unique and meaningful opportunity to engage in personal reflection, discernment, and prayer. I’d like to share a short devotional piece that can help set the stage for this period of Lenten reflection.
On April 23, 2009, Rev. Daniel P. Coughlin offered the following reflection and prayer during the opening session of Congress:
“After the earthquake came fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.” (1 Kings 19:12-13)
You, O Lord, are the subtle inspiration hidden in our deepest instincts to seek out goodness and love and content us with the whisper of your truth and presence. Lord, if we desire You to be a part of our busy lives, we need to find some cave of [quiet and inner reflection] where we can heed Your voice and ponder Your Word with a clean heart. Enable us not to be afraid of the silence. Only from silence can come the depth of expression, the well-spring of beautiful and common language that will help us interpret all the sounds of our noisy world. Lord, help us to keep silent so we may listen better. Help us abide in the silence of prayer so prayer can live in us…” (The President’s Devotional, Joshua Dubois, 2013, Feb. 7).
These 40 days leading up to Easter, provide a season to assess what is truly important and meaningful in our lives. By taking the time to “embrace the silence,” to reflect, and to hear God’s voice in our innermost being, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. From this space of increased belonging and intentional self-awareness, we can set our forward-path, making concrete decisions about the future.
Lent involves translating our reflection and discernment into action. This could mean setting specific, achievable objectives for personal or professional growth, committing to acts of kindness and service, or making changes that align with our core values.
As a part of HELM’s partnership with the BeLOVEd Compassion Network, I am reading, “The Way of Jesus: Compassion in Practice,” by Frank Rogers, Jr. Throughout this work I am reminded that cultivating self-awareness and self-compassion guides us to concrete action as an expression of that love.
I often hear from students that the pressures of college and career preparation press in on them from all sides, and the overall level of stress is too much. There is a perception of very little time to accomplish the many goals they have set, or that others have set for them. Within this context, it is extremely difficult to be still and listen to God’s voice in silence, the very thing that could help to interpret all the sounds of our noisy world.
One approach to integrating reflection, discernment, and action during Lent is to create a structured plan. This may include setting aside dedicated time- as short as a deep breath, if necessary- to pause and listen in silence. It may mean finding a longer, dedicated time for introspective practices such as journaling, meditation, or conversations with trusted mentors or spiritual advisors. In any case, our way of reflection must be authentic to us. For Elijah it was simply standing and listening.
Ultimately, for all of us, the combination of reflection, discernment, and taking concrete steps towards our goals during Lent can be transformative. It offers a framework for self-discovery, decision-making, and purposeful action. More importantly, we find that we are not alone in our silence; rather, we are surrounded by others also listening and discerning God in their lives.
At HELM, we open our meetings with a time of listening and prayer. We are grateful for the time to discern together in community. For our students, we are here for you! Reach out to us if and when you need us. For our community, we are here for you! Reach out to us if and when you need us.
Here are some of the gifts, and concrete steps, that HELM offers for your consideration during this Lenten season:
- Scholarship Opportunities to lift some of the financial burden: HELM Scholarship applications are now open—note our March 31 Application Submission Deadline! (Our inquiry process will be open all year.)
- Go here to inquire: https://helmdisciples.org/scholarships/
- Leadership Development Opportunities: Send us a note and tell us you are interested!
- Check it out here: https://helmdisciples.org/leadership-programs/
- Representation and Connection to our 15 Colleges & Universities:
- Check it out here: https://helmdisciples.org/colleges-and-universities/
- Representation and Connection to our 7 Seminaries, Certificate & Graduate Theological Programs:
- Check it out here: https://helmdisciples.org/theological-education/
We have three ordained pastors on staff at HELM, and an overall pastoral heart. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us in your discernment this Lenten season. We are ready to assist you with your next “concrete” action toward realizing God’s call in your life and in higher education.
Rev. Dr. Tamara N. Rodenberg
President, Higher Education & Leadership Ministries