40 Days of Lent
Lent is the season in which we look forward to celebrating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The following is a list of ways that we can prepare our hearts for the next 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday.
Hunger
Pray that the Father would stoke your affections for him and his word.
"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"Psalm 119:103
Hear
Ask that the Spirit would help you to more clearly hear his voice and guidance.
"For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."Ephesians 1:15-21
Share
Pray for creativity and boldness to share the gospel of Jesus with those around you.
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."1 Peter 1:15
Serve
Ask that God would grant you eyes to see the needs of the most vulnerable in our community and opportunities to serve sacrificially.
"Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."Matthew 25:40
Gather
Pray with fellow believers and spend time encouraging one another.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."Hebrews 10:24-25
Reflect
Reflect on God's goodness and blessing over the last week. Praise and thank God for the things he brings to mind.
"I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds."Psalm 9:1
Rest
Spend time resting and practicing sabbath.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."Matthew 11:28-30