The Christian tradition of Lent is fast approaching. While not commanded in the Bible, Christians are free to participate in Lent as an intentional time of spiritual refocus and renewal in Christ. In this article, I want to highlight the purpose, benefits, and practice of Lent and how you might participate in it.
What is Lent?
Lent is a 40-day season of Christ-centered reflection and preparation leading up to our annual Easter celebration. It began in the early centuries of church history. Traditionally, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. This year the season of Lent begins on March 5th and ends March 19th.
The core concepts of Lent – Christ-centered reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal – are deeply biblical. The entire New Testament calls us to a life of repentance from sin, faith in Christ, and spiritual devotion founded on and fueled by His grace (Galatians 2:20-21). Here’s why you might benefit from Lent:
Reflection Time: Lent is a dedicated season to reflect on the perfect life of Jesus and the immense sacrifice He made for us.
Preparation for Easter: Lent can help us prepare our hearts to appreciate and celebrate Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Spiritual Discipline: Lent offers a structured opportunity to engage in prayer, fasting, and deep spiritual reflection leading up to Easter. These practices help us cultivate an even deeper relationship with God in a Christ-centered way.
Humility and Gospel Hope: Lent is an opportunity to evaluate our relationship with Jesus, repent where needed, and remember the hope we have in the finished work of Christ (2 Peter 1:3-11).
Spiritual Benefits of Observing Lent
Growth In Christlikeness: By reflecting on our spiritual health, we gain a clearer understanding of our strengths and weaknesses, allowing us to grow in Christlikeness as we behold Jesus in the Bible (2 Corinthians 3:12-18).
Deeper Joy in God: Through more focused prayer and biblical reflection, we can cultivate a more joyful walk with our God and Savior (Philippians 4:4)
Sharper Spiritual Focus: By practicing various forms of fasting from visible and material things, we can sharpen our focus on unseen and immaterial realities (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Strengthened Spiritual Rhythms: Lent helps us restart and/or strengthen our spiritual rhythms, which can become a way of life.
Renewed Love For Christ: Lent directs our attention to the heart of the Gospel for an extended period of time – the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ - and culminates in the celebration of His resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
How to Observe Lent
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Here are some ideas:
Consider Fasting and Filling: Consider fasting (from certain foods, social media, or something else that is a regular part of your life) and then filling that extra time or space with increased prayer, Bible reading, journaling, singing, or intentional acts of service. During fasting, you notice the absence of something visible, and it’s a trigger to reorient your heart toward the invisible God and His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-4; Romans 12:1-2)).
Reflect on Scripture: Read and meditate on passages related to Jesus’ temptation, his endurance, his suffering, and his resurrection. The four gospels will be your greatest aid here.
Serve Others: Choose concrete and unique ways to serve others and meet their needs.
Make It a Family Focus: Consider establishing rhythms for Lent with your spouse and/or kids. Here is one tool for praying through Lent with your kids: 2025_Lent_Calendar.pdf.
Lent is not about legalistic rules or rigid religion. It’s not even required. It’s about creating intentional space for God to work in our lives through His Spirit, transforming us from the inside out through the gospel. We are free to use this season as a catalyst for spiritual growth and renewal, drawing closer to Christ, and preparing our hearts to celebrate our Living Hope - Jesus Christ.
Christ is all, Chad Kettler
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