The season of Lent begins tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is a day when our Church family around the world remembers that it is from dust we have come and to dust we shall return (Gen. 3:19).
Lent is the season of the church calendar that marks the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday (the Sundays between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday are not counted in the 40 day total, as they are considered “feast” days). Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the desert, we spend 40 days preparing our hearts, minds, and bodies in prayer, reflection, repentance, and action leading up to Easter, and the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.
Traditionally, Lent focuses on three main practices or “pillars“ drawn from Matthew 6 – prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Prayer
Lent is a great time to consider trying a new prayer practice. The prayer of Examen, breath prayers, praying the Lord’s Prayer each day, taking daily prayer walks… these are just a few examples of prayer practices one could explore this Lent.
Fasting
Though, traditionally, many Christians fast from food during Lent – whether it’s a particular food for the entire season (e.g., no meat on Fridays, no chocolate all of Lent), or perhaps a day of fasting from all food each week during Lent – there are many reasons a person may decide not to fast from food during Lent. A question that may be helpful when deciding what to abstain from (food or otherwise) this Lent: When I’m tired, stressed, or discouraged, what do I turn to for comfort or relief?
Prayerfully ask God to bring to mind something that holds much of your heart and attention each day… it may be just the thing He’s inviting you to lay aside this Lent.
Almsgiving
Throughout the Bible, we are told to care for the poor. Jesus repeatedly asks His followers to give to those in need. In Luke 12:32-34, Jesus says, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Micah 6:8 says the Lord requires us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him.
What are practical ways we can live these verses out during Lent, giving of ourselves through money, talents, and/or time to those in need (whether their need be physical, mental, or spiritual)?
During Lent, we choose to give up some good gifts, in order to set our eyes more diligently on the Giver of those gifts.
What may God be asking you to give up for a time? To give away?
What practice(s) may God be asking you to begin?
The term Lent comes from the old English word lencten meaning “springtime.” It’s still very cold and gray here in Michigan on the eve of Lent. Winter can seem like it will last forever. But we know that this is not true. Spring is on its way. Easter Sunday is coming.
Let’s prepare for that feast day, that wonderful celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, by spending the next 40 days with our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, setting aside all that distracts – even the good things – to choose the “pearl of greater value.” (Matt. 13:45-47)
Links to a few free lenten resources:
24-7 prayer:
Lectio 365 app
Every Moment Holy