By Kate Tamale-Sali
Lent is a significant period of spiritual reflection and renewal for Christians around the world. This forty-day season, which begins on Ash Wednesday and climaxes on Easter Sunday, is a time to contemplate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the importance of repentance, prayer, and fasting in our lives.
As we enter this holy season, it is worth exploring the practical implications of Lent as revealed in the Bible.
One of the most important aspects of Lent is the call to repentance. In the book of Joel, God calls on His people to: “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning” (Joel 2:12).
This call to repentance is echoed throughout the Bible; from the prophets to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Lent reminds us that we are called to turn away from our sins and turn toward God. This means not only confessing our sins, but also making a conscious effort to change our behaviour and live in a way that honours God.
Another practical implication of Lent is prayer. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray: “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6).
This emphasis on private prayer reminds us that prayer is a personal and intimate conversation with God. During Lent, we are called to deepen our prayer lives, to spend more time in prayer and to pray with greater focus and intentionality.
Fasting is another important aspect of Lent. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of fasting (Matthew 6:16-18). Fasting is a way to discipline our bodies and focus our minds on God.
In conclusion, Lent is a time for spiritual renewal and reflection. It is a time to repent, pray, fast, and reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
As we enter this holy season, let us remember the practical implications of Lent as revealed in the Bible. Let us turn away from our sins, deepen our prayer lives, discipline our bodies through fasting, and serve others with love and compassion.
