The season of Lent is a time where we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Easter. It is usually a time of self-examination and reflection through prayer, fasting and meditation of the Word. It lasts for 40 days (excluding Sundays), representing the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry.

Some of the spiritual practices embraced in this season are prayer, fasting (abstaining from something to reduce distractions and focus more on God) and giving (or charity).

Our prayer focus could include repentance (turning away from our sins), our need for God’s forgiveness, receiving His mercy and love, and growing deeper in Him.

The idea of fasting is to give up something that’s a regular part of our lives, to “deny ourselves” (of personal pleasures/desires), and remind us of Jesus’ sacrifice; replacing that time to connect more with God. For example, giving up a meal, refraining a component of a meal like meat, taking a break from social media and video games.

In response to God’s grace, generosity and love, we give to others through serving others or blessing those in need with money (money that we would normally use to buy something, for example, our morning coffee or monthly subscriptions).