Quick Summary
- Lent is 40 days of preparation before Easter
- Begins on Ash Wednesday, ends on Holy Saturday
- Focuses on repentance, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving
- Commemorates Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness
- Prepares hearts to celebrate Christ's resurrection
What Is Lent?
Lent is a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) of spiritual preparation for Easter. It's a time of repentance, fasting, prayer, and reflection on Jesus' sacrifice.
The 40 Days of Lent
| Begins | Duration | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Ash Wednesday | 40 days (Sundays not counted) | Holy Saturday (before Easter) |
Three Pillars of Lent
1. Prayer
Deepening your relationship with God through increased prayer, Scripture reading, and worship.
- Set aside extra time for prayer daily
- Read through the Gospels
- Meditate on Christ's suffering
- Attend additional church services
2. Fasting
Denying yourself something to focus more on God and identify with Christ's suffering.
- Give up food, entertainment, or habits
- Fast from social media or distractions
- Practice self-discipline
- Replace removed items with spiritual practices
3. Almsgiving
Giving generously to those in need as an expression of God's love.
- Give financially to the poor
- Serve at shelters or food banks
- Practice acts of kindness
- Support missions and ministries
How to Observe Lent
Choose Your Fast
Decide what you'll give up or add. Make it meaningful and challenging but sustainable.
Increase Prayer & Scripture
Add daily Bible reading and prayer. Consider a Lenten devotional guide.
Give Generously
Commit to regular giving or service throughout Lent.
Reflect on Christ's Sacrifice
Meditate on the crucifixion. Let it drive gratitude and repentance.
Confess & Repent
Use Lent for deep self-examination and turning from sin.
Biblical Basis for Fasting
- Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)
- Jesus taught on fasting: "When you fast" not "if" (Matthew 6:16-18)
- Early church fasted regularly (Acts 13:2-3, 14:23)
- Fasting accompanies prayer for breakthrough and direction
What to Give Up for Lent
Food & Drink
- Meat, sweets, coffee, alcohol
- Fast food or eating out
- One meal per day
Entertainment
- Social media, TV, streaming
- Video games, sports
- Movies or shopping
Habits
- Complaining or gossip
- Unnecessary spending
- Sleeping in on Sundays
Better yet: Instead of "giving up," consider adding spiritual disciplines like daily Scripture memory, serving weekly, or waking early to pray.
Remember:
- Lent isn't about earning salvation—it's about spiritual growth
- The goal is deeper relationship with God, not legalism
- Fasting should lead to increased prayer and focus on Christ
- Lent prepares your heart to celebrate Easter with greater joy