Listen to this sermon to learn more about Lent, fasting, and how to prepare for this season.
Lent…
is a time for us to create space to reflect on the suffering of the cross and then to celebrate the life-giving power of the resurrection.
Lent is the 40-day season leading up to Easter, and it’s based on Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness preparing for ministry. It’s a time to reorient our minds and hearts on the Gospel.
Fasting…
is the act of removing a tangible gift from God, like food, to create space for an intangible connection with Him.
Types of Fasts:
Complete Fast (all food, consume liquids only)
Partial Fast (all food for specific times during the day and evening)
Selective Fast (specific foods, such as caffeine, sugar, meats, snacks)
Soul Fast (things that are competing for time and attention, such as social media, TV, news, video games, or other time-consuming hobbies)
Practical Tips for Intentional Fasting:
Plan the duration and type of fast ahead of time.
Get alone with God in solitude at various times of the day and meal times. Embrace opportunities to be outdoors and go on a prayer walk.
Read and meditate on Scripture that focuses on the cross.
When you eliminate a meal, take that space and time to pray for or connect with someone in your “place,” where you live, work, study, play, and shop.
When you remove social media or entertainment, use that space and time to share a meal with someone.
The goal of a Lent fast is to prepare our hearts to celebrate the death (Good Friday) and resurrection (Easter) of Jesus.
Creating the space to reflect and mourn the suffering of the cross and then to celebrate the life-giving power of the resurrection.
Challenge:
As we create space to keep the cross in front of us, it will stir our hearts to want to help the people around us experience the same thing.
Who is God leading you to invite to Easter service as you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus?
Write their name on a piece of paper and keep them in prayer throughout Lent.
Join our Generation
Lent Devotion Discussion Group
in the Church Center app.
We invite you to journey through Lent with our church family by participating in our Lent Devotional Discussion Group. We will use a Lenten devotional from Neighbor Bible Studies. While this group will not meet in person, we will connect daily through the Church Center group chat feature to reflect on the Lenten Scripture passages.
To help prepare and minister to your heart on this journey, we invite you to listen to our Generation Lent Playlist on one of the platforms below.
Lent for Kids: 3 Ways We Grow Closer to Jesus
Lent is the 40 days before Easter. It’s a time when we prepare our hearts and remember how much Jesus loves us. It helps us slow down, grow closer to Jesus, and get ready to celebrate the joy of Easter.
During Lent, we practice three simple things:
• Pray
Talk to God more. Thank Him, ask for help, and pray for others.
• Give
Show love through kindness. Help others, share, and put people first.
• Fast
Give something up to make more space for Jesus. This could be complaining, extra treats, or screen time.
Here are 5 verses you can study with your child/ren to prepare your hearts for Easter.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Ephesians 4:32
Matthew 6:21
Psalm 51:10
John 3:16
