This Ash Wednesday, March 5, marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Growing up in the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination, this is something I have often observed, if nonetheless, been familiar with. As I have gotten older, though, and have cultivated relationships with others from different Christian traditions, I realize that Lent is not observed by many in the Protestant Christian faith. So, before we begin our journey together this Lenten season, let's talk about it. What is Lent exactly? What is its purpose? What can I do to participate?
What is Lent?
Lent is a 40-day period of preparation, leading up to the pinnacle of the Christian faith: Resurrection Sunday. During this time, believers are encouraged to reflect upon their sinful natures and to be renewed by the Holy Spirit through repentance.
What is the Purpose of Lent?
As we take time to reflect upon our sins and seek conviction that leads to repentance, we ultimately seek to renew our relationships with the LORD God. As Isaiah 59:2 declares, "Your iniquities have separated you from your God..." Though saved through grace that cannot be taken from us, believers still have the ability to harm the intimacy experienced with God through sinful actions. Thus, one purpose of the Lenten season is to gather our hearts back to the Heart of God.
Lent also gives us a chance to place ourselves humbly before the LORD God, in order to fully enter Resurrection Sunday in thanksgiving and celebration. I think it is true of many of us, myself included, that we take grace and the Gospel message of Jesus for granted. As we take time to be humble and see the true depravity of ourselves and all of humanity, we more clearly see the depth of the love and grace of God, and are more able to offer to God the glory and praise He deserves.
How Can I Participate?
Lent is not to be something legalistic or pragmatic, but rather, something that is deeply personal and brings you in places of worship and acknowledgement of the LORD and His goodness. Though these are things that are generally practiced, know that individual changes to these things are welcomed and appropriate.
• Self-Denial/Fasting: Jesus gave of His heavenly throne and glory to enter into human flesh and to die a shameful death for our sins. We, too, are invited to practice giving of ourselves in this time of Lent. The giving up of habits, such as social media usage, smoking, or sweets that we enjoy are a few examples of this. Also, legitimate fasting of things such as meat, dairy, or other staples of our diet are often practiced.
• Almsgiving: Jesus came for the broken, the lost, and the downtrodden. Thus, we are invited to enter into humble service of the LORD by generous acts of charity. You can also give of God your talents, using them as fragrant offerings to the Father.
• Prayer/Meditation: The Bible is not simply a historical document or book of wisdom, but the Living, breathing Word of God. Thus, if we seek to renew our intimacy with God, we must intentionally seek to hear from His Word. Taking time to dive deep and to mediate on His Word in prayer, silence, and even group study, allows for God to speak and be heard through the noise and busy-ness of everyday life. The YouVersion Bible app even has specific reading plans for Lent.
So, before you get to Ash Wednesday, prepare yourself by asking the question: "What is God leading me to this Lenten season? What do I need to sacrifice and repent of in order to deepen the intimacy between my Father and me?"
Want to keep enjoying content surrounding Lent? Follow along with Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian Church with Riley Young and Sarah Wessel!