What is Lent? Answering Common Questions for New Believers

Whether you’re a new believer of you’ve been a Christian your whole life every Lent season brings different experiences. No one walk through this quiet, reflective season will be the same. And Lent gives you an opportunity to go deeper with your relationship with Jesus.

So, let’s look at the common questions about Lent. Like, what is lent? How do I participate? What does fasting for Lent mean? Let’s talk about it.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT LENT

What is Lent? Lent was started by the Christian church as a way to prepare our minds and hearts for Easter. We count the 40 days before Easter, minus every Sunday as the timing for Lent each year. It’s a time to focus on prayer (daily to be in relationship with God), fasting (especially on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday), and almsgiving (being of service through giving money or time for those in need).

When does Lent start and end? Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday and ends the Saturday before Easter each year. The ashes that Catholics and some Protestants get represent a sense of remorse and mourning for our sins and a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice that ultimately gives us life.

Genesis 3:19: For dust you are and to dust you shall return

What does fasting during Lent represent? Letting go of something connects us to the sacrifice and humility of Jesus. We’re remembering the fasting Jesus did in the wilderness before he started his ministry. If we choose to give something up, or sacrifice, it’s a gesture to follow in Jesus’ example in any small way that we are able. Some people will give up a food, a habit, or a comfort to your daily life as a way to lean more on God during Lent. It’s an incredible time for exploring the core spiritual disciplines of fasting and repentance also.

How do I know what to give up for Lent? This is a beautiful, purposeful, and personal question. I’d recommend you go to God in prayer for your answer. Lent is not a time to be legalistic and create an agenda of do’s and don’ts for yourself. Instead, turn to the Lord for guidance and wisdom.

The ‘what to let go of for Lent’ question is very personal. But I’d like to share some examples from my life of what you could feel led to let go of and be more mindful of during Lent.

only buying necessities and letting go of indulgences and comforts
no sweets, candy, sugar, or foods that are celebratory
being minimal with the clothes you wear, makeup, jewelry - putting away your prettiest items for after Easter
protecting your eye and ear gates from movies, TV, secular music - to stand in a posture of purity during lent can be lovely
fasting on Fridays - I won’t drink coffee on Fridays and my family and I eat 1 meal without meat. This works for us, but do what works best for you and your health needs.
focus on prayer and repentance - ask the Lord to reveal to you the places where you need to repent and focus on being obedient and committed to deepening your trust in Jesus

There are no rules for Lent. You don’t have to give up anything. It’s a loving gesture. It’s not a have to. If you are healing from legalistic spiritual spaces creating a huge to-do list and agenda of what you’d like to accomplish during Lent may not be the best idea. Instead you can focus on prayer, reading your Bible, repentance, and focusing on Jesus’ sacrifice. Sometimes simple is better. Especially when we are in the process of healing.

journal QUESTIONS and reflection FOR LENT

This is a great time to read in the Bible about Jesus’ 40 day fast and temptation. You can find it in: Matthew 4:1-17, Luke 4:1-13, Mark 1:9-13.

The Hebrew word for temptation can also mean to be tested. Where are you being led right now in life? What is a wilderness temptation you’re facing? What tests are being presented to you? How do you move through them? Do you remember God, or how can you, in these moments?
Is there a theme based on what’s happening in your life this Lent? Or, is there something you want to study or go deeper with for 40 days? Start by journalling and praying about this. Acknowledge and write down what you hear from the Holy Spirit.
What practices are you choosing to prioritize this Lent? This could be memorizing a verse of scripture, praying everyday, starting a 40 day Bible reading plan, putting your phone away on Saturday or Sunday, etc. What’s your plan?

christian book READing list for LENt

One of the things that might make us similar is our love for books. I’m one of those people who has multiple stacks of books in multiple rooms in my house - I just really love to read. Every year I like to make a Lent reading list. These are the Christian books that feel really good for me to deepen in my relationship with God this Lent. I hope they inspire you to create you own list! If you do lmk, I’d love to see!

well watered women
abundant bible study

This is a study of the fruit of the spirit and of Galatians. I think it will be so nice to slowly explore: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.

(not an affiliate link, btw) Learn more here.

christ our bridegroom
by Eric Gilmour

This is a tiny little book that I’m using more reflectively during Lent. It’s helping me feel closer to the Lord in beautiful ways.

get it on Amazon here *affiliate link

the paschal mystery
by word on fire

This is a resource I picked up last year for Lent but I didn’t use it as often as I’d like and I want to try again! Full of reflections for Lent and Easter including prayers, readings, poems from Saints and scriptures for each week of the season.

(also not an affiliate link) Just like last year you can get the book for free, just pay shipping.

fasting
by jentezen franklin

Fasting is such an important spiritual principle and I’m enjoying this book about it so much. It’s practical, encouraging and a useful tool to support you if fasting has been something you know you’ve wanted to try but haven’t yet.

get it on Amazon here *affiliate link

living the christian year
by bobby gross

If you want to learn more about the liturgical year this book is wonderful. I love this from the book’s description: ‘You'll be reminded daily that your life is bigger than just you, that you are part of God's huge plan that started before time and will continue into eternity.’

get it on Amazon here *affiliate link