LENT

What is Lent?

Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and repentance observed by Christians in preparation for Easter. It commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) and is a time for believers to reflect on His suffering, death, and resurrection.

Key Aspects of Lent

1. Duration & Timing

• Lent lasts 40 days, excluding Sundays, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Holy Saturday (the day before Easter).

• The exact dates vary each year because they depend on the date of Easter, which is a movable feast.

2. Purpose of Lent

Lent is a time for:

• Repentance: Turning away from sin and seeking a closer relationship with God.

• Fasting & Sacrifice: Giving up something as a form of self-discipline and devotion.

• Prayer & Reflection: Deepening faith through meditation on Scripture and time with God.

• Charity & Good Works: Helping those in need as an act of love and service.

Key Observances During Lent

1. Ash Wednesday (First Day of Lent)

• Many Christians attend church services where ashes are placed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross.

• The ashes symbolize mortality (“Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return” – Genesis 3:19) and repentance.

2. Fasting and Abstinence

• Many believers fast (reduce food intake) or give up certain luxuries (e.g., sweets, social media, entertainment).

• Catholics typically abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent.

3. Prayer and Devotion

• Increased focus on personal and communal prayer, including The Stations of the Cross (meditating on Jesus’ journey to the crucifixion).

• Some churches hold special Lenten Bible studies or prayer services.

4. Almsgiving (Charity & Good Deeds)

• Christians are encouraged to help those in need through donations, acts of kindness, and service.

• This reflects Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25:40: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Holy Week (Final Week of Lent)

1. Palm Sunday: Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

2. Maundy Thursday: Commemoration of the Last Supper and Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.

3. Good Friday: The crucifixion and death of Jesus.

4. Holy Saturday: A day of waiting before celebrating the resurrection.

5. Easter Sunday: The celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, marking the victory over sin and death.

The Meaning of Lent for Christians Today

• A time of spiritual renewal, drawing closer to God.

• A reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and the power of His resurrection.

• A call to live out faith through love, humility, and service.

PRAYER

• “God, may Your light guide my day, and your spirit bring me peace. Amen.”

• “God, may my sacrifice of today of (state your Lenten sacrifice) remind me of my dependence on You for all the blessings I enjoy. Amen.”

• ”May I stand in solidarity today with all my brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering. May we be united in your love, and may I work to build your kingdom here on earth.”

• “Heavenly Father, I’m truly sorry for the moments today where I missed the mark. I ask for your forgiveness and the strength to better follow Your call tomorrow. Amen.”

• ”God, I lift up (name of the person you’d like to pray for) today. I ask that you bless them abundantly today and throughout Lent. Amen.”

• “Oh Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything. Amen.”