12 // What Is Lent? {Introduction to Lent + Our Empty Devotional!}
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Lent. Maybe you already know quite a bit about this liturgical practice, or maybe you have no idea where to begin. Lent can mean different things to different people- no chocolate, no TV, more time praying, more church — or it can mean absolutely nothing. We are so excited to explore this deeply meaningful season with you- we intend to help you grow during this season right alongside you!
A quick history of what Lent is — Lent is the 40 days (minus Sundays!) before Easter. Lent commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert fasting before beginning His public ministry. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Saturday (the day before Easter). There are three components to Lent — almsgiving, fasting, and prayer.
Lent is meant to be a time of reflection and solitude—many churches do not allow weddings and other celebrations in their sanctuaries and campuses during Lent. The whole purpose is not to deny oneself of something yearned for, but to prepare one’s heart for the coming of the Messiah, reflection and repentance of sins, and diving daily into the Word to grow closer to His Heart.
If you are overwhelmed by the thought of practicing Lent for the first time or still are not sure about your Lenten practice, do not fret. Take it one step at a time, and start small. Maybe pick one of the three Lenten practices to observe this year, and build upon your practice next year. Do what you are comfortable with, but more importantly, do what you feel Christ is leading you to do. The journey of Lent is about deepening our spiritual practice and drawing closer to Him, not checklists or to do’s.
We are excited for you, sister. We’ve already been praying for you along this journey. We know the Lord is going to speak to you during this season, and we can’t wait to hear about it.
Solus Christus-
Megan and Christen
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