Lent is a season of the Christian life that serves as spiritual preparation for Easter. It is traditionally associated with liturgical churches such as Catholic or Lutheran. Still, it is also celebrated by some Protestant, Non-Decominational, and Evangelical believers. At its heart, Lent is a season of reflection, discipline, and renewal. But what exactly is Lent, and how can it be observed?

The Origins of Lent

The roots of Lent can be traced back to the early centuries of the church. By the fourth century, the church had established 40 days of fasting and preparation before Easter, modeled after Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Early Christians saw this as a time to draw closer to God through repentance, fasting, and prayer.

The word “Lent” comes from an Old English term, “lencten,” meaning springtime. The Latin word for Lent is “quadragesima,” which means fortieth. The Greek word for Lent is Sarakostí, which also means fortieth.

Historically, the season was used as a time for new converts to prepare for baptism, which often took place on Easter Sunday. Over time, fasting and spiritual discipline became more widespread. Christians abstained from certain foods or activities on Fridays or all throughout the week as a practice to focus their hearts and minds on Jesus during this season.

While Lent is not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, the emphasis on repentance, fasting, and prayer aligns with biblical principles. Many Christians observe Lent as a way to help prepare their hearts to celebrate Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. Rather than viewing the discipline often needed to observe Lent as a legalistic requirement, we can see it as an opportunity to deepen our walk with God.

Key Observances in Lent

There are a few dates that hold special significance during Lent. Ash Wednesday launches the season of Lent. In Liturgical traditions, Christians are smudged with ashes on their forehead as a symbol and reminder of repentance and reconciliation with God.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the last week of Lent. This Sunday celebration reflects on Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem described in the Gospels.

Maundy Thursday, also called Holy Thursday, celebrates the Last Supper. The term “Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum,” meaning commandment, referring to Jesus’ command to love one another. This observance often includes foot-washing ceremonies, reflecting Jesus’ act of service to His disciples when he washed their feet.

Good Friday honors the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Believers reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for our redemption. Lent ends with Easter Sunday, where we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and victory over sin and death.

Ways to Observe Lent

Traditionally, Lent involves fasting, prayer, and offerings. However, Lent can be observed in multiple ways. The essence is to either give something up or add a discipline to focus on your relationship with Jesus during this season. If you are considering observing Lent, here are a few ideas to help you make the most of this season:

Things to Give Up for the Season

• Social Media – Take a break from scrolling and spend more time in Scripture or prayer
• Sweets, Caffeine, Junk Food – Use this as a reminder to rely on God instead of cravings
• Television or Streaming Services – Replace entertainment with worship or reading Christian literature
• Unnecessary Spending – Donate the money you save to a ministry or someone you know in need

Disciplines to Add:

• Daily Bible Reading – Commit to reading the Bible each day of Lent; the Bible App has multiple free Lent reading plans to choose from
• Prayer and Fasting – Set aside specific times to pray and consider fasting from a meal or activity
• Acts of Service – Look for ways to serve others, whether through volunteering or small acts of kindness
• Scripture Memorization – Hide God’s Word in your heart by memorizing key passages
• Journaling – Reflect on what God is teaching you during this season

Journaling

If journaling is of interest to you, here are some journal questions to get you started, organized by key themes frequently studied during the Lenten season:

Repentance:

• Have I ever experienced sorrow that led me closer to God?
• What is one sin I need to confess to God today, and how can I genuinely turn away from it?
• What is the difference between repentance and regret?
• How does true repentance bring freedom rather than regret?
• What does Psalm 51 teach me about coming to God with a repentant heart?
• Have I ever made excuses for my sin instead of taking responsibility? How can I change that?

Humility:

• How does Jesus exemplify humility in the Bible?
• How can humility help me better hear and follow God’s direction?
• Are there areas in my life where pride hinders my walk of obedience?
• How does Philippians 2:3-4 challenge my perspective on humility and serving others?
• How does Scripture define true humility?

Prayer:

• How do I currently view prayer – more as a duty, a privilege, or something else? Why?
• Do I focus only on what I want/need in my prayers? Are there elements of worship, reflection, and listening to God as well?
• If my prayers reflect the desires of my heart, what do they reveal about my relationship with God?
• How does Jesus’ example of prayer (Luke 5:16, Matthew 6:9-13) shape how I pray?
• What distractions hinder my prayer life?

Listening:

• How do I position myself to hear God’s voice daily?
• Am I listening to God with a heart ready to follow?
• What does John 10:27 teach me about my ability to hear God?
• What steps of obedience is God calling me to today?
• Am I more focused on praying to God than listening to His response? How can I change that?

Discernment:

• What worldly influences am I allowing to shape my thinking?
• What worldly patterns do I need to break free from?
• Am I allowing God to transform my thoughts and character?
• How does James 1:5 encourage me when I feel uncertain about a decision?
• How can I distinguish between God’s voice, my own desires, and outside influences?
• What decisions do I need to surrender to God’s wisdom instead of relying on my understanding?

Commitment:

• Are there areas of my heart divided between God and other priorities?
• Do I see obedience as a burden or an expression of love for God?
• How can I guard my heart against distractions from faithful obedience?
• How does Luke 9:23 challenge my level of commitment to Christ?
• How do my priorities reflect my commitment to God? What needs to change?
• Have I made a commitment to serve God in a specific way? How am I following through?

Worship:

• Do I seek God as my first priority each day?
• How can I cultivate a heart of gratitude as an act of worship?
• Do I genuinely treasure God’s love above earthly desires?
• Is my life marked by continual praise and gratitude?
• How do I define worship beyond just singing songs at church?
• Do I worship God only when I feel like it, or do I choose to worship Him in all circumstances?
• Do I focus more on what I get out of worship or on offering my heart fully to God?

Ultimately, Lent is not about following strict religious rituals but drawing our hearts and minds closer to Jesus. It is a time to reflect on His sacrifice, repent of sins, and renew our faith. Whether you observe Lent formally or use this season for more profound spiritual growth, the goal is to fix your eyes on Christ and prepare your heart for the joy of Easter. Lent is not about what we give up; it’s about what we gain: a closer walk with Jesus.