What exactly is Lent? A leading source of news and information defines lent for us: Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days
Here are three reasons I have decided to participate in Lent
- There are so many distractions and things vying for my attention throughout the year and this is a structured focused time of preparation for a personal encounter with Jesus. A time to refocus, meditate, grow and delve deeper.
- It helps my husband and I evaluate and grow spiritually together. With the plan to prepare special meals for this time, we can intentionally observe aspects of this tradition to enhance our family health, time and focus on Godly things that matter.
- I desire to answer the call and invitation to follow Christ’s example in The Word faithfully and practice active discipleship through building my relationship with Jesus and others in a communal sense.
Struggling to decide whether you should participate? Think about whether you could use a structured time to draw closer to God in community. Like so many communities, it’s an opportunity to be held accountable during this time you’ve set aside with others who are dedicated to sacrifice and exercise the spiritual disciplines through selflessness. It will undoubtedly realign your perspective and deepen your relationship with Christ as you prepare to celebrate the death and resurrection of our king! Prayerfully, choose to “Live Again” by 1st dying out to the habits that can sometimes hold us captive.
Honestly, I just decided I would participate in this consecrated time and tradition on the morning Lent began in 2020. The night before while I was completing some projects alongside my mother for Pearls and Pillars, a live video with Dr. Jamaal Bryant was shared by one of her friends that had us, as well as many other millennials thinking of the significance of Lent. He encouraged his members and those who wish to join the journey to not spend through a financial fast. When we think of fasting, we immediately think of “what food or habit I can sacrifice and give to God during this period of consecration.” This is however another form of fasting that is compelling to consider.
The purpose for this post is to encourage you to go on the journey to make the decision to fast and pray. And to provide tools to equip you on your journey. What method do you intend to utilize? Downloading this guide and journal will prayerfully & effectively inspire you to go on this journey to Refocus, Recommit, deepen, refresh & renew leading to resurrection!
It does not take too much to simply begin! Whether you are reading this on the 1st day of Lent or the 20th day of Lent. Today, you have the useful tools and guides you can use to begin and follow-through on your journey.
1st is the free printable guide I offer to begin your journey to think of what your priorities are and the personal encounter that will take place during these 40 days of fasting and seeking His face.
Get ready to take some notes by grabbing your Radiant Pearl pen and Radiant Pearl Prayer Journal or Traveler’s Notebook so you don’t forget anything and have all your Radiant thoughts in one pretty and convenient place.
