Attention in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving
“LENT=SPRING” by Susan Black
Attention in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving
By Emily Mentock
Attention is the theme of my Lent. It seems in short supply in my brain and my life lately, and I think it applies to all three classic Lenten practices.
Beginning with attention to my prayer and attention in my prayer. First, I need to pray more. Am I aware of the moments throughout my day when I can be more intentional about lifting my mind and heart to God? Most of the year I’m either praying infrequently but fervently, or consistently but mildly. Lent is a good time to focus on prayer throughout the day without skimming through the words. One of the best ways I’ve found to do this is to offer spontaneous prayers at different moments. For example: “O Lord, my desire for this coffee is nothing compared to your love for me. But thank you for loving me so much as to provide this coffee in this moment.”
Okay—it’s a little silly. But also heartfelt, and better than not praying with my coffee at all. It helps me stay present in the simple act of taking a sip, rather than already thinking about the next thing on my list. Until, of course, it’s time to pray for that next activity: “O Lord, come to my assistance in this meeting and help me clearly state my part.” And so on.
Naturally, to achieve this, I must also fast from the distractions that pull my attention away from where it belongs: prayer, relationships, work, even myself. This will include some straightforward adjustments, like recommitting to bricking my phone for most of the day. But also giving up my favorite “productive” distractions—filling my online shopping cart (only to abandon it) or planning a trip I know I won’t take. Fasting from the indulgence of giving only half my mind to the task at hand.
Almsgiving: the ministry of presence. I first began to understand this concept when I produced a documentary on Blessed Solanus Casey a few years ago. He was known for giving his full attention to the person right in front of him—no matter how long the line behind them grew. This saintly ability to focus entirely on the person or task at hand struck me deeply and has stayed with me since.
“Giving” is easy for most of us in the modern world. We live in such abundance that giving uncomfortably—at least materially—is actually difficult. But giving our attention is inherently costly in a world of modern distractions and infinite scroll. It looks like keeping my phone in my purse during drinks with a friend. Listening first to my husband’s recap of his day instead of barging ahead with mine. Taking time to have a full conversation with the woman asking for money on the corner instead of offering the bare minimum dollar and a quick prayerful wish. It looks like preparing well for my volunteer duties. It looks like sending a voice note to a friend just to say hello rather than waiting indefinitely for the “perfect” moment to schedule a call.
If Lent is spring, then attending to my attention will be the “showers” that wake the frozen ground of my heart and prepare it for Easter.
Emily Mentock is a writer, producer, and creative director based in South Bend, Indiana.
Susan Black is an artist, writer and Benedictine Oblate living in Aurora, Oregon.