Lent is the 40 days before Easter Sunday. During this time, Christians around the world remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and bring us eternal life with Him.
What is Lent and Why Do We Observe It?
During the season of Lent, Christians observe Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and is the 40 days before Easter. (Lent is technically 46 days because the Sundays during this time are not counted.)
Easter Sunday is when Christians celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Jesus’ death on the cross is the payment for sins, and His resurrection claimed victory over death, which means you can have eternal life with God when you trust in Jesus as your Savior.
Do You Need to Observe Lent?
Lent is observed in the Catholic church and some Protestant (typically the more traditional) denominations. The word “Lent” is not in the Bible and is, therefore, not required to be observed. The tradition was started by the church in the 4th century.
Lent is a time when Christians focus on Jesus’ death and sacrifice. It is a somber time, yet also a time of celebration in the sense that Christians remember and realize the importance of the great gift that has been given.
Should You Fast During Lent?
Traditionally, Lent has been a time of fasting and self-denial, especially in Catholic traditions. It is important to note that fasting or other traditions such as these do not give you extra blessings from God. Romans 5:17 says, “For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.”
Read more here: 50 Things You Could Give Up for Lent This Year
Grace is a gift through Jesus. You do not earn God’s good favor.
The Bible also says that fasting should be done privately.
Matthew 6:16-18 says, “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that others may see their fasting. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face, your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father, who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is between you and God.
Click here for a free printable of 5 powerful prayers for fasting.
Fasting During Lent – Tips and Considerations
Lent is a time of “keeping the fast.” Fasting can include going without food, such as eating only one meal a day. It can also mean going without certain foods, like not eating meat or not eating meat on Fridays. Some people give up their favorite foods, like chocolate or Coke, during Lent. Others might choose to fast from TV viewing or social media.
People might fast to go through a wilderness time (as Jesus did, Matthew 4:1-11) to spend extra time reflecting and praying. You might sacrifice something to remember Jesus’ incredible sacrifice for you.
Lent is also called a time of “keeping the silence.” During worship in a Catholic or traditional Protestant church that observes Lent, you may notice changes. The paraments (cloths on the altar) are purple or dark.
Crosses and other religious artwork may be veiled with a transparent dark cloth. Music is more somber, and many churches choose not to say or sing the word “alleluia” during the Lenten season. Sundays may be an exception, as they are considered a “mini-Easter.”
Because of my history of unhealthy eating patterns, I do not typically fast food because this can lead to binge eating tendencies. I have fasted from other activities, such as television or social media.
Lent can be a powerful time of reflection as part of your Christian walk. This year, I encourage you to use this season to grow closer to Jesus as you consider his sacrifice for you.
How do you honor Lent? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Journey to the Cross: A Holy Week Devotional for Weight Loss and Wellness
Use the Journey to the Cross journal to connect faith and health as you reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice while making mindful choices. Each day includes Scripture, reflection questions, prayers, and simple but powerful action steps to align your food choices with your faith.
Celebrate the resurrection with a renewed body and spirit – because victory is already yours. Get the Holy Week weight loss journal now.
More Christian Posts You Will Enjoy
What is Ash Wednesday? – Ash Wednesday is the start of Holy Week. Here’s what it means.
How Do You Know When is Easter Sunday? – The date of Easter is different each year. Here’s how it is chosen.
50 Things You Could Give Up for Lent This Year – Lent doesn’t mean only giving up meat. Here are other ways to make the season meaningful.
What Does Maundy Thursday Mean? – Learn what Maundy Thursday means and why it’s an important part of Holy Week.
What is the Meaning of Good Friday? – If it’s the day we remember Jesus’ death, why is it called good?
What is Holy Saturday? – How to honor the day before Easter.
Do you give up something for Lent? Does your church observe Lent? Share in the comments below.
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Thank you so much for the great explanation for Protestants.
Thank you Sara for this post. It is a great reminder of what this somber, penitential season is all about. Thank you for sharing the CPH video. It is incredibly powerful! It moved me to tears – reminding me of all that Jesus did for me. That’s what Lent is all about – repentant hearts and great forgiveness.
May God bless you.
Sarah
Hi Sarah, thanks so much for sharing how the Eastern Orthodox church honors Great Lent. I knew there were some variances, but I didn’t know the details. I love learning these types of things! Blessings.
Hello, Sara! I would just add that the Eastern Orthodox Church also observes Great Lent. However, for us, Great Lent begins seven weeks before Pascha (Easter) and we do not observe Ash Wednesday (that was a later, Western addition). The Orthodox fast by abstaining from all meat, dairy, wine, and oil for the entirety of Great Lent. We do this as a way of helping us fully enter into the deep reality of the Passion and Resurrection of the Lord. May God bless you during the Lenten season.