The Word in the Wings
The Word in the Wings > The Journey of Lent
The Journey of Lent
By: Jessica Noonan
Lent is a sacred journey for Christians, encompassing the 40 days leading up to Easter, a period that echoes the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and facing temptations (Matthew 4:1-11). This time is not merely a countdown to a holiday; it is a profound opportunity for spiritual preparation, a moment to reflect on the cornerstone of our faith—the resurrection of Christ. Without His resurrection, we face a stark reality: death reigns, our Savior is discredited, and the promises of the Messiah fall flat.
As we approach this pivotal moment in our faith, we are called to actively prepare our hearts and draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, repentance, and acts of kindness. As I contemplate these practices, a question arises: shouldn’t these be integral parts of our everyday lives? For those of you who already engage in these activities, Lent offers a unique chance to deepen your commitment and elevate your relationship with God.
At the core of this journey is the challenge of prioritizing God above all else. It’s about cultivating a love so profound that it compels you to obey His word and seek His presence throughout your day. Together, let’s explore how we can elevate our spiritual practices and embrace the transformative power of Lent.
"at the core of this journey is the challenge of prioritizing god above all else."
I also ask myself how I allocate my time. Am I dedicating my days to glorifying Him? Am I supporting others? Am I nurturing my family and striving to be the best mother and wife I can be? How am I serving? How can I reflect Jesus’ light to those around me? Taking time to evaluate our daily activities and thoughts is both healthy and essential.
Prayer: The Bible emphasizes the importance of prayer, mentioning it over 650 times across various translations. This frequency underscores its significance to God. Prayer is our lifeline to the divine, an open dialogue with our Creator. As 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances.” This isn’t a suggestion to pray occasionally; it’s a call to maintain a constant connection with our Lord. Through prayer, we express gratitude, seek guidance, and forge a deeper relationship with God. Remember, He longs for us even more than we long for Him. James 4:8 beautifully encapsulates this: “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”
Prayer Activities: Consider going on a prayer walk, either solo or with a friend, leaving sticky notes in your car to remind you to pray while driving, or dedicating the season to worship through music.
"come close to god, and god will come close to you."
Repentance and Fasting: Recognizing our need for repentance is essential for growth in our relationship with Jesus. Sin creates a barrier between us and God, but through repentance, we can mend that connection. Fasting is a powerful practice that teaches us to depend on God for strength and sustenance. While many think of fasting as abstaining from food, we can also “fast” from other distractions in our lives. What could you give up to draw nearer to God? Is it social media, gossip, or relying on friends for comfort instead of turning to Him? Personally, I often seek advice from friends before I seek God’s wisdom, and I yearn to change that. During our Bible study time here at GPA, we chose Joel 2:12-13 as our meditation for Lent: “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” This call invites us to return to our compassionate and merciful God.
Almsgiving: Almsgiving, the act of providing for those in need, is a reflection of mercy and compassion. The word “alms” originates from the Old English and Greek terms for “pity” and “mercy.” In Luke 11:41, Jesus teaches us that genuine giving comes from the heart, emphasizing the importance of our intentions over mere actions. Consider how you currently give and where you could expand your generosity. It doesn’t always have to be financial; volunteering your time or simply being present for someone can make a world of difference. Imagine the impact we could create if each of us committed to one act of almsgiving each week during Lent, holding one another accountable along the way.
As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the power of prayer, repentance, and giving. Let’s open our hearts to God, allowing Him to transform us from within, so we can truly celebrate the joy of the resurrection this Easter.
