In the early centuries of the
church, the forty days before Eas-
ter came to be recognized as the
season of Lent (a Latin word that
means “spring”), when new con-
verts were prepared for baptism.
This preparation included biblical
instruction, prayer, repentance
and fasting.
In time, the practices of Lent
were embraced by the entire
church. Its purpose has always
been self-examination and spir-
itual preparation leading to an
exuberant celebration of Easter.
At Calvary, we emphasize the
spiritual disciplines of prayer,
fasting and giving as Jesus
encouraged in Matthew 6. Lent
provides a wonderful opportunity
to do this together, as a church
body.
Lent is an invitation to confront
the temptations that seek to pull
us off the path to Christ-likeness,
to acknowledge what leads us
astray and seek fresh strength to
turn from the darkness. The spiri-
tual disciplines of praying, fast-
ing and giving that we focus on
during this season offer a rhythm
to our daily discipleship. Fasting
is a symbol of the discipline it
takes to turn away from our sin.
Prayer is the actual experience
of turning to God in dependence.
Giving is the virtue we take on to
replace our sin.
Psalm 89:15 says, “Blessed are
those who have learned to acclaim
You, who walk in the light of Your
presence, O Lord.”
Spontaneous praise is not so
spontaneous. It is like a geyser
where the pressure builds up
under the surface until it has
no option but to gush forth. The
more we “walk in the light of [His]
presence” the more will we “learn
to acclaim” Him. The question is,
does our praise well up so regu-
larly that we are like “Old Faith-
ful” in our release of the overflow
of our hearts?
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us
continually offer to God a sacrifice
of praise—the fruit of lips that
openly profess his name”
(Hebrews 13:15).
This year during Lent we want to
offer a sacrifice of praise to God.
And if in this season we want to
produce the “fruit of lips that con-
fess His name,” that “continually
offer to God a sacrifice of praise,”
then we have to be intentional
about cultivating a heart that
builds up an internal pressure of
gratitude and adoration. We need
to maintain our hearts in the light
of His presence. 2