Lent
The traditional practice of Lent is a surprisingly old tradition in the Christian world. Depending on your background, or denominational affiliation, you may not have ever thought much about, heard much about, or done much about the annual celebration leading up to Easter each year. Perhaps you have always wondered what the big deal is with Mardi Gras, or why some people suddenly have an ashen forehead on a Wednesday. A more liturgical in nature background likely means you are familiar with the history and practice. More evangelical? Maybe you are curious about adding some of the rhythmic liturgical elements into your spiritual life. Lent provides a unique and special opportunity to grow closer to the Lord spiritually.
A Short History
The Gospels record Jesus going into the wilderness following being baptized by John and fasting 40 days. At the end of the 40 days Satan came to tempt Him. The young church early in its history appropriated days of fasting in commemoration of that fast of Jesus. In the 4th century at the Council of Nicaea the church fathers formalized it into a 40 day penitential fast. Later, Pope Gregory, in the 7th century it was moved to coincide with the celebration of Easter. It would begin with Ash Wednesday and end with the Easter celebration. The ash pictures a formal repentance in the believer’s heart. Over the centuries since the practice has evolved in many ways and is practiced a myriad of ways within the Christian tradition. Viewing the participation in a highly liturgical practice from the lens of a 21st century evangelical Protestant might feel a bit over-, or under-, whelming. Many liturgical ideals were jettisoned during the Reformation period and subsequent evangelical movement in more modern times. However, the incorporation of just such a thing could help bring a sense of spiritual meaning and connection into your life. Generally, there are three core practices during Lent.
Prayer
It is a great relief to be reminded in the Bible that God has no need for eloquence, or lofty words. He doesn’t really even need words at all in our prayers. He just wants us. During Lent it is great practice to set aside intentional times to be in prayer. It might be that you make a list of prayer needs for others then take time each day to pray through the list. Maybe you need to stop babbling while you pray and take time to listen in quiet. Some will do guided prayers such as the Stations of the Cross. Guided times of prayer can be a powerful part of your participation in Lent. The Stations of the Cross takes time to meditate and pray through the things leading up to and during the crucifixion of Jesus. Information can easily be found online.
Fasting
Few things calm the spiritual fervor of a person like suggesting they fast. Fasting does not have to be just about food. The heart of the spiritual practice of fasting is to set aside something you are eating, drinking, doing, or connecting to so that you can better focus on God and what He is doing. Yes, many fast from food during the period of Lent. But there are many ways to fast and things from which to fast. Lately, social media has been a popular fast. Go 40 days without getting on, viewing, or connecting with social media and you just might let go of it for good. Maybe you feel led to abstain from drinking alcohol, or eating certain foods. Look at the various things that you do, eat, and drink over the course of a week. Are there things happening that cloud your relationship with God? Perhaps that is a the best place to start with a fast?
Giving
It is hard to let go of money. It is hard to give up some of your time and ability to things other than your own interests. It is hard to give away possessions. Lent is a time to look for ways to give. God has gifted us and expects us to be stewards of those gifts. The blessing of wealth gives opportunity to bless others. Time can be used to help others. Ability gives the chance to help make the world better, not in your own image, but that of God’s grand story and plan. Lent can be a time to volunteer at a local non-profit. The Lenten season can be an intentional time to practice acts of kindness for other people. Giving does not have to be just about money. It is so much more than that. You have a wealth of things in your life that you can give during this time.
if you have never taken part in a Lenten devotional practice, this could be a great time to incorporate it into your life. It doesn’t have to be an extravagant act on your part. Start small. Simple. Let it build into a deeper part of your spiritual practice during the year. Involve your family in it. Talk about how you can all walk through the season together and encourage each other.