Lent, a significant period in the Christian calendar. It is a time of preparation and reflection that begins with Ash Wednesday and continues for 40 days.  The Lenten season culminates in the celebration of Easter (Resurrection Sunday).  The focus of this time is preparing hearts to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the Christ.  During the Lenten season, many choose to practice some form of fasting (refraining from certain foods or activities) and using the time that would have been spent on the activity being fasted from in order to focus on the death and resurrection of Christ as well as the union of believers in Jesus with Him.  

   Lent developed with a missional context.  As we let go of unhelpful habits or patterns, denies ourself, follow/draw nearer to Jesus, we also chooses to extend the self-giving love of Christ to others.  So - there is self denial, but also self-giving.  In this way, the Lenten season allows us to refocus and recenter our lives.  Intentionally practicing our new life in Christ with disciplines of prayer, fasting, and repentance can be of great value.  In fact, these patterns and practices we be so lifegiving, that we choose to continue them well after the conclusion of Lent.

   If you decide you would like to explore some of these patterns, here’s a suggestion. Think about making adjustment in your relationship with God, self, and others… ie making these relationships right or just.

1.       Choose a form of Prayer (justice towards God)

a.       Perhaps you do not currently talk with God each day – you could choose to use time that would have been spent on the activity that you choose for your fast to talk with God.

b.      There are many 40 day devotional guides that you can choose to use to shape your time with God.

c.       You could choose to focus on a particular prayer component – praise (God’s character), thanksgiving (noticing the ways God is moving in and around you, the prayers He answers, the good things he has given), petition (choose a people group or nation and spend time asking God to move on their behalf).  There are many options

2.      Choose a form of fasting (justice towards self)

a.       a meal each day, a food that you will refrain from eating for 40 days (chocolate, coffee, something you really like – but choose to fast),

b.      an activity – like online games, youtube, tv. 

c.       These are suggestions.  You will want to ask Jesus how to do this.

3.      Choose a form of almsgiving (justice toward neighbor). 

Almsgiving has often been considered money given to the poor.  It may also include ways that you choose to serve in a focused way during Lent.

a.      Consider saving the money you would have spent on that meal/treat from which you are fasting, and give it away.  It may help to prayerfully determine where this money will go early in your fast… or even before you begin.  Doing so provides focus and may help when you feel tempted to eat it anyway. 

b.      Spend the time you would commit to the activity from which are fasting and serve on campus or in the community.

   Also – sometimes it helps to have others join you in one or more of these 3 aspects of justice.  This provides encouragement, accountability, and fellowship.

   All this to say – Lent begins on Wednesday, February 14^th this year.  This could provide a life changing opportunity as you seek to know Jesus and follow Him more closely.  If you have any questions or would like help thinking and praying through ways for you to engage Lent, feel free to contact me.  I’d be honored to help in whatever way I can…. Including helping you find devotional resources and ideas for giving or service.

Valerie Gladu  vrgladu@umbc.edu