February 17 – April 3
What is Lent?
Lent is the 40-day season leading to Easter, based on Jesus’ 40 days of prayer and preparation in the wilderness. It's been said that Lent is a good time to put something down and to pick something up. Perhaps putting down our phones in order to read scripture, or missing a meal in order to pray. The choices are ours.
Lent is a season where we give God more room to get to us, speak to us and shape us. Join us this Lent in giving God more room in your life in these four ways.
How do I join in?
1. Put something down and pick something up.
Choose something to fast, like a kind of food or activity, in order to turn your attention to God. Use that time or energy to pray, read the Bible or otherwise connect with God.
2. Pray in Community.
Add or adapt prayer in daily life with your people. Create space around meals, or as the day begins or ends to pray (even briefly) with those around you. Examples: prayer with your family, spouse, friends, co-workers or Life Group.
3. Read the Story.
Read one of the Gospels during Lent, emerging yourself in Jesus' story. For example, Mark could be read over 16 days by a chapter a day, John over 21 days, Luke over 24, or Matthew over 28.
4. Don't forget to party.
If you're fasting, consider breaking the fast on Sundays. For example, if you're not eating chocolate for Lent, enjoy some on a Sunday! This helps to remind us that even in a time of refining, the gospel is good news and always leads us into celebration. Through this, we also remember that what we're fasting in Lent isn't "bad", simply put in its place in relation to God.