Today is  Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season.  Lent is one of my favorite church seasons.  I love how it really makes me reflect on the amazing gift we have been given as children of God.

If you have never  done any special things with your child during lent you might consider something that would help your family reflect on the importance of this season.  Lent is wrought with meaning and symbolism but I wanted to share one fun activity to help focus on prayer.

Prayer Pretzels--

Did you know that the pretzel is a traditional food for lent?

When early Christians would pray, they would cross their arms and touch each shoulder with the opposite hand. They also fasted very strictly during lent, making their bread with only water, flour, and salt. A monk shaped this in the form of praying arms for children, and the pretzel was born! 

Soft Pretzel Recipe~ What you need:

• 1 package yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 4 cups flour
• 1 egg

Mix your yeast, water, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in the flour, and knead until the dough is smooth. Shape into the form of arms crossed in prayer and place it on a baking sheet. Brush the dough with a beaten egg to give it a shiny finish.  Sprinkle the top with salt, and bake in an oven preheated to 425 degrees for 15 minutes.