This 40 day period is also a time for the church universal to commit and dedicate itself to the Lord through the spiritual disciplines of fasting and prayer. Fasting is a spiritual discipline in which we deprive ourselves of desires in efforts to deepen and strengthen our relationship with God. Those desires we deprive ourselves are replaced with prayer, meditation, and scripture in efforts to become closer to God.
This 40 day period of fasting and prayer is representative of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting and praying prior to his public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). I am convinced that the 40 day period was necessary preparation for Jesus so he would be able to fulfill the task that God placed before him. There are also other references in the gospels in which Jesus went to be alone. It is important that we reserve time in which we spend intimate time with God so we can remain clear on what God's will for us in this world.
I encourage us all to take this time serious. Let us not give up something for 40 days, pat ourselves on the back, and then go back to business as usual. In the words of my big sis (shout out to Allyson Smith) Lent is not about giving up things in efforts to "prove how hardcore you are for God" but with hopes of getting closer to God.
We should come out the season of Lent transformed and renewed. We should better coming out of Lent than we did coming in. I encourage us to allow the transformative work of God to take place in all us during this season of Lent in hopes that we will be more dedicated and committed to the work of God just as Christ was when he descended from that mountain after 40 days of fasting and prayer.
I'm praying for you all.
God Bless,
Rev
Lovely! Many people overlook/ do not know about this essential time period. Also, many people believe this is only a Catholic tradition, in which I do not understand why. Much more powerful than just a New Year's resolution, whereas many people do this for recognition and self gratification, Lent is very spiritual and powerful.. One year, I gave up red meat and pork. This diet has stuck with me ever since, because the reason I started this diet wasn't for myself; It was bigger than I.. I believe fasting is one of the purest and most spiritual forms of prayer. I recently did a fast for Haiti and during the time period, it was a pretty powerful and extremely humbling experience! I felt a sense of cleansing and purity.. I encourage many people to partake in this time! Well enough with my rant! Happy Ash Wednesday! =)
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