Rediscovering the Heart of Lent
Lent is a special 40-day period that is a time to reflect on Jesus’s sacrifice and reminds us to draw closer to Him through:
- Fasting: Setting aside certain foods, habits, or distractions to make more room for God.
- Prayer: Devoting extra time to conversation with our Heavenly Father, seeking His wisdom, comfort, and grace.
- Almsgiving: Offering our resources or service to those in need, mirroring Christ’s call to love others generously.
During Lent, we’re invited to walk hand-in-hand with Jesus as He journeys toward the cross. We can embrace the practices of Lent to transform our lives long after Easter Sunday.
Finishing Lent Strong
1. Refresh Your Why
If you’re fasting from a favorite treat or certain activities, take a moment to remember why you started. Instead of focusing on what you’re giving up, think of whom you’re giving it up for. Every time you crave that snack or look at your phone, pause and say a simple prayer like, “Jesus, I’m making room for You.”
2. Deepen Your Prayer
Prayer is our lifeline. As the period of Lent continues, it can be easy to let busyness crowd it out. Create a routine that feels personal and calming:
- Set aside a quiet corner of your home or office where you can be still and listen.
- Pray for something specific around your Lent focus.
- If you enjoy journaling, write down what’s on your heart—your worries, your thankfulness, and reminders of how your sacrifice will change your path.
3. Give from the Heart
Almsgiving is more than just handing over money or items—it’s about reaching out in love. Whether you donate baby clothes to a pregnancy resource center or share a kind word with a neighbor who’s lonely, let genuine care motivate each action. By giving intentionally and wholeheartedly, you’re imitating the love Jesus shows each of us.
Letting the Spirit of Lent Live On
1. Keep a Heart of Sacrifice Year-Round
Easter Sunday doesn’t have to end your spirit of sacrifice. Small, consistent gestures—like saving spare change to support your church or a nonprofit—remind us that we can honor Jesus’s sacrificial love well beyond these 40 days.
2. Commit to Ongoing Prayer
Prayer transforms our hearts and keeps us open to God’s gentle guidance. Continue your closer walk with the Lord with these practices:
- Exchange 10 minutes of scrolling for 10 minutes of Scripture.
- Pray during your commute, asking God to help you see others through the eyes of Jesus.
- Set daily reminders on your phone to pause and listen for God by saying, “Speak, Lord, I’m listening.”
3. Make Giving a Lifestyle
Loving others is at the core of our Christian faith. Consider how you can amplify your almsgiving throughout the year:
- Volunteer at a local women’s shelter or pregnancy center.
- Offer emotional support to someone in crisis, being the listening ear they desperately need.
- Offer financial support for charities and causes that align with your values.
Embracing His Love, Sharing His Light
Lent calls us to grow closer to Jesus through fasting, prayer, and generosity. As you enter the final stretch of the season, remember that your efforts to focus on Him can continue to flourish well after Easter. Every sacrifice you’ve made, every prayer you’ve whispered, and every gift you’ve offered has helped deepen your bond with Christ. Let it become a way of life!
When Easter morning arrives, celebrate fully in Christ’s victory! Let that joy move you to keep living out the lessons you’ve learned—cherishing life, offering hope, and reflecting Jesus’s compassion in everything you do.
Stay Connected in the Season of Hope
By finishing Lent in a posture of humility, gratitude, and service, you’ll find that the fruits of this season will enrich your faith, continually reminding you of the transforming power of God’s love.
Published on Monday, April 7, 2025 @ 12:10 PM EDT
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