Lenten Practice

For Lent this year I am praying for various groups of people or individuals. I started out by praying for individuals who I know, then moving on to groups that I know, such as my children. I have prayed for those who lost lives and were wounded  in the school shootings in Chadron, Ohio.  That in itself could take up the entire Lenten Season. But I moved on to praying for those affected by the tornados, having lost their homes, loved ones, life as they knew it. I feel it is important to put things INTO myself during Lent, instead of taking them out or giving something up. I did that one year - gave up chocolate, which for me, is an entire food group. It was horrible! I didn't know then that I could have HAD chocolate on Sundays because supposedly you can take Sunday off. It was a very hard Lenten Season. My kids were young then and around me more often. They checked up on me (dang!!), so I had to be diligent. I managed to pretty much avoid chocolate for 40 days and 40 nights until Easter Sunday. Then, my children's Easter baskets were not safe! Little did they know.......That is one reason I don't give things up. I guess I feel as if I have given enough up over the years, so want to put something back IN. My soul hungers for honest food....well, yes it still hungers for chocolate, but I feel called to offer myself up for greater things. Such as praying for people who are in need,. I like the Celtic way of "watching" during Lent. I am watching for people or places that need some prayers. What are you doing for Lent?