thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Then, hold up your life to the
Ten Commandments. Confess, perhaps even to your pastor or an accountability partner (James 5:16), the ways
you’ve sinned against God, thank Him for His forgiveness, and ask Him for the grace to change.
SEE ALSO: Let God Change You During Lent
Fasting and Prayer: Fasting is a practice that has really gone by the wayside in many Christian circles. Yet, if done
correctly, it can be a powerful time of renewing your relationship with God. Fasting can be found in both the Old
Testament and the New, with Moses (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9,18 ), Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), and our Lord
(Matthew 4:2) all participating in 40-day fasts. Fasting is a way of denying ourselves the excesses of life so that we
might be more attuned to the Lord’s voice. It is also a way of disciplining yourself, strengthening your “spiritual
muscles” so to speak, so that when temptations arise in life, you are already used to saying “no” to your desires.
And finally, fasting is also a way of participating, in a small way, in the sufferings of Christ and can be particular-
ly powerful when accompanied by prayer and confession.
A word of caution: although fasting can be a wonderful spiritual exercise, it is also an easy one to abuse. Make
sure that when you fast, you do not deprive yourself so much that you do harm to your body. Fasting should only
be practiced by adults and mature teens. Also, take into account any medical conditions or nutritional needs
when deciding what and how much to abstain from (I recommend consulting with a doctor and/or spiritual
advisor before undertaking a serious fast). On the spiritual front, Jesus warns us to guard against pride while
fasting (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18).
Meditating on Christ’s Sacrifice for Mankind: In addition to periodic fasting and prayer, our scriptural medi-
tations typically turn to the salvation offered to us through Christ’s suffering. Read Old Testament Scriptures
prophesying the suffering of Christ and the New Testament Gospel accounts.
Charity/Almsgiving: A very important element of the Lenten season is becoming aware of not only the suffering
and sacrifice of Christ but also to the suffering of others. Between now and Good Friday, choose one way you can
increase your giving to those in need. It could be through extra financial offerings, donating goods you no longer
need or use to charity, or increasing your personal time commitment to a ministry or cause close to your heart.
Lent is a time when Christians separate from the world; when we find out our faith is not just a feel-good, self-
help religion but one that answers the deepest questions of life and eternity. Those who journey through the
Lenten season will enter the Easter season with an increased appreciation for who God is and what He has done
for us. And the joy of Resurrection, as well as the promises of eternity, will not be soon forgotten.
March Edition 17