Lenten Walks

Many churches already have walking groups who get together for exercise.  This idea for taking on a Lenten habit springs from that practice, and getting out of the house together during the colder months can have added blessings.

• Walking is intergenerational.
• Walking can be in groups, by families, or on your own.
• Walks can be scheduled or done on the walker's own time.
• Walks can be guided by a leader or self-guided.
• Walks are easy to organize and a natural activity for inviting friends.
• Walking can be done with social distance and include fellowship.
• Walks can be scheduled around the weather.
• You can schedule several different "kinds" of walks during Lent.
• A printed guide can let participants walk and participate at their own pace.
• Walks can be of any length to accommodate physical and time needs.
• Lenten Walks are preferably outdoors, but they are not "sight-seeing tours." Rather, they take their cue from the contemplative side of Lent. They can include stopping points to read a short verse and consider a question, or take time for prayer as you move on to the next stop.
• A Lenten walk in the park together can look for "signs of life" (hope, seasons of the spirit) in an otherwise dormant or snowy environment (end with a sled ride and hot cocoa).
• Lenten Walks can explore the discipline of silence, of seeing or listening, and prayer.
• Lenten Walks can imitate the walking of Jesus, the walk of faith, and the Exodus journey.
• "Turning Points" on the walk can reflect on the meaning of the traditional Lenten theme of repentance (which literally means to "turn around").
• Starting and finishing points on the walk be adjusted for different ages and abilities, themes and schedules.
• Local topography and landmarks can be incorporated in the walk to emphasize themes, such as "wilderness," uneven ground, water, old trees (and their roots), etc. Consider local parks for varied walk options.

A Few Possible Walk Themes

The 7 "I Am" statements in John ("I am the Bread of Life," etc.)

The Temptations of Christ

The Stations (Story) of the Cross

The Ten Commandments (a journey of obedience)

The Exodus Journey

Repentance

Lord's Prayer

"Signs of Life"  --teaching children about the seasons of life, and how their own lives can go through "winter" periods in preparation (hope) for what is to come.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.