Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights He fasted and became very hungry - Matthew 4:1, 2.
Lent is a 40-day period that starts on Ash Wednesday and extends for forty days before Easter. The word Lent comes from the Latin word Quadragesima, which means forty. It comes from the Old English word lencten, which means "spring season". Lent is the spring season of refreshment, renewal and spiritual growth in our life. It is an opportunity to grow closer to God, to remember the life of Jesus, His sufferings on the cross, His amazing love for us and His resurrection that offers us hope, new life, and the promise of eternity with Him.
Repent
Lent is meant to be a time of repentance. Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. So, rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness - Joel 2:12, 13. Return to Me, and I will return to you - Malachi 3:7. Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord - Acts 3:19. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me - Psalm 51:10.
Grow in prayer, fasting and sharing
The three main ways we can engage in lent are by growing in prayer, fasting and sharing. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful - Colossians 4:2. Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes - Daniel 9:3. You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land - Deuteronomy 15:11.
Let us repent and grow closer to God during this lent season. Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting - Psalm 139:23,24. Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes - Daniel 9:3. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen - 2 Peter 3:18.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let us repent and grow more in prayer, fasting, sharing and in the grace and knowledge of You during this season of lent. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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