Explaining the season of Lent
Published 10:25 am Thursday, March 30, 2017
I am frequently asked the meaning of the season called Lent. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and covers a period of approximately six weeks before Easter Sunday. The traditional purpose of Lent is preparation through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, giving, atonement and self-denial.
During Lent, many Christians commit to fasting or giving up certain luxuries as a form of penitence. We may also add a Lenten spiritual discipline, such as reading a daily devotional, to draw ourselves nearer to God.
In other words, Lent is an opportunity to pause from the intensity of daily living and reflect on the meaning of Christ’s life, death and resurrection which will provide significance and hope. Easier wished for than done. The following prayer by Robin Van Cleef describes how difficult it is to deepen your spiritual life.
Lord, I sense my need of you; yet — I am not quite sure how to reach you.
I heard someone say, ‘Read your Bible.’
But too often the words are like bullets that ricochet off my brain.
I heard someone say, ‘Pray.’
But my prayers, hurled heaven ward, fall back to earth like lifeless stones.
I heard someone say, ‘Meditate.’
But my wandering mind was lost in a desert of random thoughts.
I share that struggle. I eagerly read the newspaper but struggle to read God’s Holy Word. I pray and wonder if anyone is listening? Meditation seems painfully slow in the midst of a busy day. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Van Cleef offers guidance as the prayer continues.
Lord, speak to me through your Word.
Let it penetrate my mind and my heart.
Lord, speak to me through prayer,
and turn the lifeless stones to bread.
Lord, speak to me in my Meditation,
that I may see, amid life’s wilderness:
The way, the truth and the life.
Spiritual growth seldom happens naturally but requires a conscious investment of time and energy. Lent is a reminder of why that investment is important. We pause to remember the life and death of Jesus to more fully appreciate the resurrection. Possible ideas include joining a Bible study and setting aside time to read devotions, meditate on their significance and pray. The Bible offers guidance:
• Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along His path. He will honor you. (Psalm 38:34)
• So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the special blessings that will come. (1 Peter 2:13)
• One day soon afterward Jesus went to a mountain to pray and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak, He chose 12 disciples. (Luke 6:12)
• Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent. (Ephesians 6:18)
• God teaches: “Don’t be impatient. Travel steadily. Think clearly and exercise self-control. Pray first. Pray at all times. Stay alert and be persistent.”
• God promises: “I will honor you. Look forward to special blessings. I will help you make choices. I will provide power through the Holy Spirit.”
Lord, speak to me through your Word.
Let it penetrate my mind and my heart.
Lord, speak to me through Prayer,
and turn the lifeless stones to bread.
Lord, speak to me in my Meditation,
that I may see, amid life’s wilderness:
The way, the truth and the life.
Deepening your relationship with God requires an investment of time, patience and persistence, but your investment will bear fruit. God promises: “I will honor you. Look forward to special blessings. I will help you make choices. I will provide power through the Holy Spirit.”
What is Lent? Lent is God’s precious gift to you, ready to open, enjoy and experience. Amen.
Rev. Larry E. Davies can be reached at larrydavies@sowingseedsoffaith.com