How we observe Lent together at Watermark
We offer guidance on setting a routine of prayer, fasting and almsgiving through the resources below or through direct conversation with church leadership. Email: Elders@watermarktampa.com.
We invite everyone to join us for our Ash Wednesday service at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, to welcome this season communally.
Those who chose to participate can follow their decided practice from Ash Wednesday (March 5) until Easter Sunday (April 20).
We provide links to daily scripture readings/prayers of the Church that demonstrate how repentance and spiritual freedom works in the lives of people. These scriptures are read in churches around the globe during this season and will help mold your body and soul to resist the dual temptations of self-sufficiency and despair.
We invite everyone (whether you participate in Lent or not) to participate in prayer each Sunday morning before the service at 10 a.m. in the family room.
Guidance for fasting
Many traditional church cultures refrain from specific foods throughout Lent or take specific days to abstain from eating entirely. It’s important to take your health into account if you’re thinking of making a radical change to your eating habits during this season. Food is not the only appetite you can set aside for the fast - maybe digital media, political news or some other form of entertainment or distraction is preventing you from having the inner space you need to clear for God’s Spirit.
Some questions to ask yourself
Where do you have the worst hunger for immediate fulfillment or fear of missing out? What do you do compulsively to either distract yourself from this fear or try to fulfill it?
Is there a mental or physical habit, a food, drink or experience that you are constantly or compulsively drawn toward? Examples: Snacks, alcohol, sugar, TV, online media.
How could your life look different if you refrained from this habit for the next six weeks?
Are there any things you feel God may be moving you to focus on that you feel you don’t have time/energy for?
Resources