What is Lent

Lent is a time of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter. For some Christians, this is a special time think about one’s life choices and mortality, as well as reflect on life directions. It serves as a wakeup call for some Christians. There are three major components to this season:

Ash Wednesday This marks the beginning of Lenten discipline for observant Christians. Ministers place blessed ashes in the form of the cross on individuals’ foreheads to remind them of mortality, sorrow for sins, change and forgiveness. While the ashes symbolize penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts.

Fasting Often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. However, the purpose of fasting is to take our eyes off the things of this world and instead focus on God. Fasting is a way to show that we are serious about our relationship with Him.

Prayer This is a relationship where we humbly communicate, worship and sincerely seek God’s face, knowing that He hears us, loves us and will respond, though not always in a manner we may expect or desire. Prayer can encompass confession, praise, adoration, supplication, intercession and so much more.