Reflections during Lent

Every year, after celebrating and remembering Ash Wednesday, we go into a reflective time for the Lenten season.  Each day in worship, we start by lighting the candle.  Then, we watch a worship video where we get to hear a passage read from the Bible, followed by a prayer, and then finally shown a piece of art.  This piece of art goes a long with the Bible passage that was read.  We are then left with some wondering questions after hearing more about the painting, such as “What might the light in the painting mean?” or “How might the disciples have felt?”

Each student in the class has a Lent Journal.  This journal is for them to reflect every day on about the painting they saw.  They can write something that stood out to them or perhaps even write a prayer they have.  Other students might choose to draw a part of the art work or a symbol that stood out to them while watching the worship video.  There are many ways for the students to respond and reflect.  They may use different colors to go along with the artwork.

After spending time in their Lent Journal, students can share with the class if they choose what stood out to them.  They get the opportunity to share their prayer or the drawing they did with their peers.  We also ask questions we might have about the art piece.  In addition, students get to think about what the painting might mean to them.  There are so many things that we can see and think about from looking at these art works.

Here are some examples of what students drew or wrote about: