For centuries many Christians have observed Lent as a special season of renewal leading up to Easter Sunday. This 40 day period is symbolic of Jesus’ 40 days in the desert prior to the beginning of His ministry. Lent is meant to be a time of cleansing, refreshing, and refocusing. It’s a time of saying “no” to so many of the things that can distract us and draw us away from God, so that we can focus on saying “yes” to Him and drawing near to Him. Lent is observed from Ash Wednesday to Maundy Thursday (March 2-April 14 this year).
We are inviting the entire church to spend this season being more intentional in practicing spiritual disciplines together. During this time, all are invited to observe a special time of self-examination and repentance through prayer, fasting, reading and meditating on the Scriptures, and abstaining from things that distract us from seeking the Lord.
We’ve outlined some ideas below and chosen a reading plan for us to follow together as a church. Leading up to this season, ask the Lord how He might have you focus on Him and then make a plan to do so. It will be hard, but it will be worth it and you will grow!