Embracing Lent
By Ryan Dawson
We are currently in the season of Lent as we prepare our hearts for Easter. The season of Lent is an invitation for deep reflection, spiritual renewal, and intimate reconnection with God. This forty-day period is not merely a tradition but an opportunity to refocus our hearts, as we examine our walk with Christ, so we can grow in our faith. Lent mirrors the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness, facing temptation yet remaining steadfast in His devotion to the Father. Through prayer, fasting, and acts of love, we, too, can align our hearts with God’s will and prepare to celebrate the victory of Christ’s resurrection.
A Time to Reflect
Self-examination is a crucial part of our Lenten journey. It is a time to assess where we have allowed distractions, sins, or complacency to take root in our hearts. The psalmist prayed:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24, NLT) It is important that we take these words to heart, allowing God to reveal areas in our lives that need His refining touch. Reflection brings awareness, and awareness leads to transformation.
A Time to Renew
Lent calls us to renew our faith through intentional spiritual practices. Whether it’s through daily Scripture reading, fasting, giving generously, or serving others, each act of faith draws our hearts closer to God. Lent allows us to live out the reality that we are a new creation in Christ. “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”(2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT) Through repentance and surrender, we experience God’s grace, washing us anew and strengthening our commitment and resolve to walk in His ways.
A Time to Reconnect
Our lives are so busy, and Lent offers a sacred pause—a time to draw near to God and listen for His voice. As James reminds us: “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” (James 4:8, NLT) We reconnect with God through prayer, worship, and acts of kindness. When we seek Him earnestly, He will meet with us and welcome us with open arms, ready to renew our spirits and fill us with His love.
Observing Lent is not about empty rituals but about drawing closer to Jesus and allowing His love to shape our lives. I encourage you to consider these practical ways to embrace Lent:
• Engage in Scripture – Meditate on God’s Word and let it guide your heart.
• Deepen your prayer life – Set aside dedicated time to converse with God daily.
• Fast with intention – Sacrifice something that distracts you from God or give up eating for a time to dedicate that time to prayer and reflection.
• Give generously – Ask the Lord to show you where and how you should give to bless others.
• Serve others – Reflect Christ’s love through acts of kindness and generosity.
As we journey through Lent, may we be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us and respond with hearts full of gratitude and devotion. Let this be a season of transformation, drawing us ever closer to the One who loves us beyond measure. How will you draw closer to God this Lenten season?
Heavenly Father, thank You for this season of Lent, a time to seek You with renewed passion and humility. Search my heart, cleanse me from sin, and draw me into deeper fellowship with You. May my reflection, prayers, fasting, giving and serving, glorify You and prepare my heart for the joy of resurrection morning. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let’s embrace Lent with expectant hearts, knowing that God is working within us to renew, restore, and revive our faith for our good and His glory!
For Christ & His Kingdom, Ryan
We are currently in the season of Lent as we prepare our hearts for Easter. The season of Lent is an invitation for deep reflection, spiritual renewal, and intimate reconnection with God. This forty-day period is not merely a tradition but an opportunity to refocus our hearts, as we examine our walk with Christ, so we can grow in our faith. Lent mirrors the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness, facing temptation yet remaining steadfast in His devotion to the Father. Through prayer, fasting, and acts of love, we, too, can align our hearts with God’s will and prepare to celebrate the victory of Christ’s resurrection.
A Time to Reflect
Self-examination is a crucial part of our Lenten journey. It is a time to assess where we have allowed distractions, sins, or complacency to take root in our hearts. The psalmist prayed:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24, NLT) It is important that we take these words to heart, allowing God to reveal areas in our lives that need His refining touch. Reflection brings awareness, and awareness leads to transformation.
A Time to Renew
Lent calls us to renew our faith through intentional spiritual practices. Whether it’s through daily Scripture reading, fasting, giving generously, or serving others, each act of faith draws our hearts closer to God. Lent allows us to live out the reality that we are a new creation in Christ. “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”(2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT) Through repentance and surrender, we experience God’s grace, washing us anew and strengthening our commitment and resolve to walk in His ways.
A Time to Reconnect
Our lives are so busy, and Lent offers a sacred pause—a time to draw near to God and listen for His voice. As James reminds us: “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” (James 4:8, NLT) We reconnect with God through prayer, worship, and acts of kindness. When we seek Him earnestly, He will meet with us and welcome us with open arms, ready to renew our spirits and fill us with His love.
Observing Lent is not about empty rituals but about drawing closer to Jesus and allowing His love to shape our lives. I encourage you to consider these practical ways to embrace Lent:
• Engage in Scripture – Meditate on God’s Word and let it guide your heart.
• Deepen your prayer life – Set aside dedicated time to converse with God daily.
• Fast with intention – Sacrifice something that distracts you from God or give up eating for a time to dedicate that time to prayer and reflection.
• Give generously – Ask the Lord to show you where and how you should give to bless others.
• Serve others – Reflect Christ’s love through acts of kindness and generosity.
As we journey through Lent, may we be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us and respond with hearts full of gratitude and devotion. Let this be a season of transformation, drawing us ever closer to the One who loves us beyond measure. How will you draw closer to God this Lenten season?
Heavenly Father, thank You for this season of Lent, a time to seek You with renewed passion and humility. Search my heart, cleanse me from sin, and draw me into deeper fellowship with You. May my reflection, prayers, fasting, giving and serving, glorify You and prepare my heart for the joy of resurrection morning. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let’s embrace Lent with expectant hearts, knowing that God is working within us to renew, restore, and revive our faith for our good and His glory!
For Christ & His Kingdom, Ryan