As we move past the heat of summer and the "back-to-school" rush, our church family enters the season of Lent. Lent unfolds as the days begin to cool and we transition into autumn. It is a season that invites us to slow down after the busyness of the new year - a dedicated time to intentionally seek the Lord’s face and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter morning.
Our Theme Verse
As we begin this journey, let us keep the words of the prophet Joel in our hearts:
Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." - Joel 2:12 (NIV)
This verse reminds us that Lent is not about outward appearances or empty rituals, but about a sincere, inward return to God. It is an invitation to come as we are, laying down our distractions to find refreshment in His presence.
Why Forty Days?
The number forty is deeply rooted in Scripture. It reminds us of the forty years Israel wandered in the wilderness and, most significantly, the forty days Jesus spent in the desert being tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). Just as Jesus used that time to rely solely on the Word of God, we use Lent to strip away the "noise" of our daily lives to better hear His voice.
Practical Ways to Observe Lent
In our community, Lent isn't about earning grace - which we know is a free gift - but about cultivating a heart of worship. Consider how you might engage with these three traditional practices:
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Intentional Fasting: This isn't just about food. Consider fasting from a habit that takes up your "heart space," such as social media or television. Use that reclaimed time for scripture reading.
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Focused Prayer: Use this season to revitalize your prayer life. Perhaps set a timer for five minutes of silence each morning to listen for God's promptings.
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Sacrificial Giving: Lent invites us to look outward. This year, we encourage you to redirect the money saved from "giving something up" toward a local charity or a community outreach project.
A Journey Toward Hope
As we walk this path together over the coming weeks, may we find that the quiet reflection of this season yields a harvest of spiritual growth. Let us support one another in our commitments, keeping our eyes fixed on the cross and the promise of the empty tomb. We look forward to journeying through this season as a body of believers, expectant for the renewal that only Christ can bring. May this Lent be a time of deep peace and renewed faith for you and your family.