FEAST DAY ALERT
Almsgiving is the practice of giving to those in need. It is a way of showing love and compassion for others. Almsgiving can also be a way of expressing our gratitude for God’s blessings. Almsgiving is an important part of Lent, as it allows us to share with those in need and to be an example of mercy in the world.
Day 1 – Head
On the first day of our prayer we will be reflecting on The Word of God to help us to understand our theme.
We begin our prayer this morning with the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Fasting helps us make space in our lives—but that space should be filled with something good. Scripture teaches us that giving to others is not an option but a duty:
The Book of Tobit is book of the Bible we don’t often hear about. The whole book is about how God tests us, and the different ways He responds to our prayers.
This passage is a lovey reminder than everyone can do something for others. Even if you don’t have very much, “do not be afraid to give according to the little you have.”
This is perfectly reflected in the story from Mark’s Gospel of the Widow who gives two little pennies when others give lots of money, but Jesus says
“this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
(Mark 12:43-44 ESVUK)
Lets us Pray:
Loving Father,
Forgive us for all the times we have resented giving to others.
Help us to always remember that you dwell within every other person, that all are made in Your Likeness, and that when we give to others, we are giving to you, and storing up treasure for ourselves in Heaven.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Day 2 – Heart
On the second day of the week we focus on our hearts. How can the scripture that we looked at previously impact our lives, and the lives of others? What themes can we draw from the scripture?
We begin our prayer with the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Almsgiving is the third of the Three Pillars of Lent.
When we fast, we create space in our lives. But if we do nothing with that space, it will be filled again with the same distractions.
Almsgiving invites us to use that space for good.
Jesus calls us to see Him in others:
“I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was naked, and you clothed me.”
(Matthew 25:35-36).
Think of Saint Martin of Tours, who literally cut his cloak in half to clothe a beggar. True generosity is about more than giving money—it is about seeing others’ needs and responding with love.
Have you ever been in need and someone helped you?
How did that feel?
How can you be that person for someone else?
We end our prayer with the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Day 3 – Hands
On the final day of the week we try to put into action the things we have learnt and reflected on previously in the week, hence the hands link!
We begin our prayer with the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Hopefully by now, you will have found something to give up. The ideal would be for what you have given up to allow you more time, more money, or more energy.
If you only give something up however, that hole from what you gave up will only be filled again, like a vacuum needing to be filled.
Instead, this week, find a way to give.
It could be donating money or items to a charity, offering your time to help someone, or simply being more present for a friend in need.
Small acts of generosity can transform not just others’ lives, but our own hearts as well.
How can you make almsgiving a regular part of your life, not just during Lent?
Let us pray:
Loving Father,
Touch our hearts today, and this week, that we might hear Your calling to what you want us to do this Lent.
Give us the courage to give to others freely, and without looking for recognition or reward.
We ask this in your name, and the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
We end our prayer with the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
A person in our form said that when they gave away a present they wanted it for themselves but it was for a present for someone else.