Lent is a 40 day period of spiritual renewal, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter. If you don’t come from a liturgical church background, you might not be familiar with Lent. An article I wrote a few years ago will help answer the question, “What is Lent?” This year (2025), Lent begins on March 5. Why should you observe Lent?
Reasons to Observe Lent
It helps us to develop seasonal rhythms
The ancient church set aside the seasons of Advent and Lent to help them remember what is most important. These special times of spiritual renewal were built into the church calendar, so they occurred reliably every year. Lent is a time to re-focus our hearts and renew our relationship with God.
We need times of reflection and confession
In our busy lives, prayer and reflection often get pushed to the side We often need to jump start our prayer lives and put God back at the center of each day. As we prepare for the remembrance of Christ’s death on Good Friday, we spend some time in confession of sin. Think of Lent as a spiritual “spring cleaning” for your soul.
We will grow in appreciation of Christ’s death and resurrection
As we reflect on the story of Jesus from the gospels and confess our own sin, we gain a deeper appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice for us and prepare our hearts for an all-out celebration of Christ’s victory over sin and death on Easter.
We gain practice in self-denial
Most of us are really bad at self-denial. Fasting, in its various forms, is an important part of Lent. We get some practice denying our desires and make more space in our lives for God. Fasting is never a way to earn something from God. Rather, it is a way to shape our hearts to be more like Christ.
Suggestions for Observing Lent
Start small
If you are new to observing Lent, start with a few small things. Choose something to give up during Lent. Consider fasting from certain foods, or try a social media fast! Find a scripture reading of devotional plan to follow (if you do not already have one).
Take concrete actions
Create a plan to take specific, concrete steps. What time each day will you spend some time reading the Bible and praying? What sort of fasting will you try? How will you serve the poor?
Observe Lent from a place of Grace
Remember that Lent is not a way to pay for your sins or earn anything from God. Jesus already took care of that. Instead, praise God for salvation in Jesus Christ.
Commit to observing Lent with a friend
Find one other person, or a few friends, who are also interested in observing Lent. Share your plans, and pray for and support each other as you begin this journey.
Resources for Lent
Here are a few Lent devotions that are available for free online:
- Grace Redeemer Church 40 Days of Lenten Devotionals
- Our Daily Bread Lent Devotional
- Biola University Lent Project 2025