Overview of Lent

​

Begins Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022 and ends Thursday, April 14, 2022

​

The season of Lent last 40 days, not counting Sundays. The number 40 represents the amount of time Jesus spent in the desert fasting and preparing for his ministry. It is a period of time marked by self-denial, fasting, penance, abstinence and preparing for a closer relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Just as Advent is an annual journey in which believers redirect and laser-focus their attention on the coming and the meaning of the baby Jesus, Lent is also a period of time that re-emphasizes the passion narrative in the life of our Lord and Savior. We focus again on his arrest, trial and suffering; it ends with his execution by crucifixion. Since Easter is not possible without a cross, believers are provided a period of 40 days plus Sundays to vicariously commemorate these last events associated with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ; and in so doing we participate in the following: Lent is the cross we bear to get to Easter.

​

40 Day Countdown until EASTER

Believers are encouraged to fast, pray, meditate, make sacrifices, especially those that improve the lives of people in need.

​

Sundays are not counted in Lent; they are days of celebration and thanking God
for what’s coming—THE RESURRECTION.

However, believers are asked to join our Lord again in his suffering and pain.

 

We are asked to become penitent. It is an act of self-abasement. It is an act you willingly perform to show sorrow for sin.

​

Penance involves three forms:

• Fasting

• Prayer 

• Almsgiving

Each one expresses conversion in relation to:

• Oneself 

• God 

• Others

​

WEEKDAYS ON THE LENTEN JOURNEY

​

Since Sundays are not counted in Lenten, here are some ways believers can remain steadfast in penance and devotion to the journey:

• Eat one large meal daily

  • If you are able decrease desserts, chips, sodas and other grand meals

    • When you turn down these luxuries, turn up your spiritual activities

• Use Spiritual Meditation each day during your 40 day Lenten Journey to help you be more focused 

  •  Focus on the role of the Holy Spirit as the active agent guiding your thoughts and actions to keep you grounded, growing and going in Christ Jesus

• You might want to set aside a time for listening to your favorite gospel singer

• Keeping a Lenten Journal might provide a time to study the Word and research Biblical themes, words and figures

• By having a daily routine, believers increase expectancy and they follow a plan of activities that keep their focus clear

​

FRIDAYS IN LENT

​

Fridays are focused days for greater intensity for ABSTINENCE. The word means the act or practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically alcohol or other fleshly pleasures; however, each believer must consider what things are relevant and which thoughts, actions, practices are to be placed on the cutting block during their own Lenten Journey.

Giving up too many things all at once is a clear way to fail:

• Make selections prayerfully and thoughtfully

• It might be best to select 2 or 3 things and try your hardest to stick to those then bite off more than you can chew

• Believers are encouraged to abstain from eating meats, but not fish

  • If you eat fish, give up fried fish. That’s a luxury. Bake your fish and watch the amounts. Don’t go excessive

• Try to give up pork, beef, lamb, turkey, dear, rabbit and coon. The goal is to experience discomfort

• Instead of meat, eat fruits and vegetables

• Use seasonings and sauces sparingly