A Guide for Lent

Lent has always seemed a primarily Catholic or Orthodox celebration and the church I grew up in never practiced it, so it's not something I gave a lot of thought about. But in recent years, I've seen the beauty in this time of the year. 

The origin of the word Lent comes from the “Old English word for springtime, spring” and “from West Germanic word meaning long-days or lengthening of the day.”  As we begin to enter into spring and nature starts to wake from its long winter sleep, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the renewal of all things spiritually as well. As we focus on Christ's sacrifice on the cross it should bring about renewed gratitude in our heart.

Lent is meant to be a time of repentance of our sins and a reflection on the events leading up to Christ's death and resurrection. It's not a time of shame, but of thankfulness for Christ's sacrifice for us. And it's a time of our own sacrifice through fasting and giving up something for a 40-day period of time. I always have shied away from this because my faith isn't about rituals, but I also see the benefit of fasting from something and using that time to draw closer to the Lord.

I have put together a guide of daily readings and weekly prayer prompts. I started with this first week of Lent which begins today. But will add to it each week. You can find this free resource on my website which you can find here: resources. I hope that it is helpful as you meditate and reflect on God's wonderful gift to us all!