Walking through Lent: Explained

The Lent season is almost upon us, and some of you may already know what that is, but some of you may not. So I wanted to take time out of the schedule this week to go over this practice and let you in on what Lent is and why I still observe it as a Christian believer.

What is Lent?

The season of Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving which commemorate the time Jesus spent in the desert leading up to the beginning of His full-time ministry. This season begins just before, and ends right at the Easter holiday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Catholics observe Lent by seeking penance, focusing on charity, and fasting during the 40 days of Lent.

When is Lent?

Ash Wednesday kicks off the Lent season, and this year that date just so happens to fall on Saint Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2024. Other important dates inside the Lent season include: Maundy Thursday, March 28th, 2024; Good Friday, March 29th, 2024; and Easter Sunday, March 31st, 2024.

The key to celebrating Lent is to understand that Lent is observed through the week, but never on Sundays. From sundown on Sunday to sundown on Saturday the fasting was to be observed, but never to be fasting on Sundays. Sundays were always to be used as rejoicing in the Lord’s day. Sundays never count toward the Lenten fast.

Why do you practice Lent?

Practicing Lent each year for me has always had great benefits in my prayer life, in my walk with Christ, and in my spiritual journey as a whole. I have seen great growth in my overall health and my spiritual health just from the amount of discipline I have gained alone over the years of practicing Lent. I have seen benefits of growing closer to God in prayer, a more full prayer life, seeing answers to prayers, and even growing stronger in knowing what to pray for, when to pray, and how to pray.

I have also seen a closer reliance on God when I fast, growing stronger and having greater faith that God will provide for me in times when I needed Him most. It is hard to believe God will come through if you don’t test that theory from time to time and actually see Him come through for you. Practicing Lent gives you the space to test your faith in God’s provision as you fast.

And it is a practice. I wouldn’t say go into it with a heart of strictly following the rules, but of mere curiosity and a desire to know more about Jesus. Trying it on to see if it’s right for you is the best way to size up any spiritual practice. Always seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance in anything is the best way to know if this is what Christ calls you to do for  yourself.

What is the purpose of Lent?

Through fasting, prayer and charitable giving, the practice of Lent prepares your heart and mind spiritually for the celebration of resurrection Sunday. Fasting allows us to discipline our bodies to focus on relying on God for our provision. Seeing God as our provider reminds us that He provided everything we needed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Setting aside time every day to pray, spending focused time in prayer with God, reminds us that God wanted to be with us so much that He provided the way for us to be together with Him for all eternity in Christ Jesus.

Fasting during Lent also reminds us that Jesus fasted for us in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights. When he was at his weakest moment, the enemy came and tempted Him with food, position, and power, all the things the enemy will also attempt to tempt us with today. But Jesus fought the enemy back with the Word of God, modeling to us what we should do when we are weak and must face the enemy with tempting offers. Because of Jesus’ example we are encouraged to cling to God’s Word during Lent and see God as all we truly need.

How do you practice Lent?

The practice of Lent has evolved for me over the years, even since writing my first book about it. 

This year we are going to go through the devotions in my book, Walking through Lent: 40 Chapters in 40 Days together. 

Each day there is a Scripture Reading, one chapter from the New Testament. The front of the book has each chapter listed in order so you will be able to see all the chapters we are reading (yes, we are reading them in order for the most part). Because the Word of God was the power Jesus used against the enemy we also need to know the Word of God so we can have it in our hearts.

After the reading, I’ve selected a Key verse that I’ve written a short devotion on. The devotion is already in the book, so that’s there for anyone who has the book. 

Following that devotion is a prayer you can pray out loud to get your daily prayer STARTED. It is meant to start your prayer, I do hope you’ll continue to pray on your own after that starter prayer.

Once you’ve done the devotion and prayer, there is an almsgiving challenge. The daily Charitable Challenge is where I hope to see the social media world light up the most with your creative, kind, charitable ideas. Be sure to use your hashtags!  #faithtofollowblog  #Lent40Chapters40Days #reginapiperbrownwriter and tag me in your photos: @reginapiperbrownwriter 

What if I don’t have your book?

But seriously, if you don’t have the book and still want to participate, you can!

The daily Scripture Reading, Key Verse, and Charitable Challenge will still be posted on my social media feeds. And there may even be a weekend (Saturday or Sunday) surprise video devotion from yours truly. So stay tuned!

A final word about fasting…

Too many people fasting from too much, or not enough, how do you know what’s right for you?

Food, social media, TV, coffee, sugar/sweets … with so much stealing our attention how do you know what to pick to fast from for Lent? It’s the principle behind the fast: you have to rely on God to supply the strength you need to overcome your desire. What is it you desire more than God? Fast from it and you’ll quickly find out. My book does not address fasting at all. I did not used to fast for Lent. These days, I pick one or two things and fast from those. Whatever you decide, remember this, fasting is not about you, it’s about Jesus and the work He did for you.

I hope whatever you decide that you will decide to join me for this year’s Walking through Lent: 40 Chapters in 40 Days!

With love and blessings,