February 17 - April 4
In the early centuries of the church, the forty days before Easter came to be recognized as the season of Lent (a Latin word that means “spring”), when new converts were prepared for baptism. This preparation included biblical instruction, prayer, repentance and fasting. In Lent we set aside time to go deeper with the Lord as we prepare for an exuberant celebration of Easter.
Lent is an invitation to confront the temptations that seek to pull us off the path to Christ-likeness, to acknowledge what leads us astray and seek fresh strength to turn from the darkness. The spiritual disciplines of praying, fasting and giving that we focus on during this season offer a rhythm to our daily discipleship. Fasting is a symbol of the discipline it takes to turn away from our sin. Prayer is the actual experience of turning to God in dependence. Giving is the virtue we take on to replace our sin.
- Media/Social media (Reading/Watching News, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, etc.)
- Screen time (Netflix, Video Games, etc),
- Indulgences (Snacking, sweets, shopping, drinking)
- Thanksgiving: Blessings Alphabet – use the alphabet as a prompt to write out blessings from God starting with the letters from A-Z
- Read through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) – Reading Plan
- Send/Text an encouraging note or Scripture each day to a friend/loved one