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Traditionally for the Church, Lent has been a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Welcome to the Season of Lent

Join Us as We Prepare for the Cross

The days are lengthening, the sunlight is getting longer, and Easter is on the horizon. During this time of preparation for a new season of feasting, there is a season of fasting and prayer, of repentance and sacrifice. This is a time not to earn God’s favor, but to be reminded of all the things that distract us from His goodness. Historically, during Lent, the Church encourages this kind of focus in three areas: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (what we might call charity). There are 40 days of Lent, not counting Sundays, which many people consider to be a day to always celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

Suggested Reading Plan

This suggested reading plan comes from theologian N.T. Wright. 

March 5
Matthew 1-2
March 6
Matthew 3
March 7
Matthew 4
March 8
Matthew 4:1-11
March 9
Psalm 32
March 10
Matthew 5
March 11
Matthew 6
March 12
Matthew 7
March 13
Matthew 8
March 14
Matthew 9
March 15
Matthew 17:1-9
March 16
Psalm 121
March 17
Matthew 10:1-15
March 18
Matthew 10:16-42
March 19
Matthew 11
March 20
Matthew 12:1-21
March 21
Matthew 12:22-50
March 22
Matthew 13
March 23
Psalm 95
March 24
Matthew 14
March 25
Matthew 15:1-20
March 26
Matthew 15:21-38
March 27
Matthew 16
March 28
Matthew 17
March 29
Matthew 18
March 30
Psalm 23
March 31
Matthew 19
April 1
Matthew 20
April 2
Matthew 21:1-22
April 3
Matthew 21:23-46
April 4
Matthew 22
April 5
Matthew 23
April 6
Psalm 130
April 7
Matthew 24:1-21
April 8
Matthew 24:32-51
April 9
Matthew 25:1-30
April 10
Matthew 25:31-46
April 11
Matthew 26:1-13
April 12
Matthew 26:14-27:66
April 13
Psalm 31:9-16
April 14
Matthew 26:14-35
April 15
Matthew 26:36-56
April 16
Matthew 26:57-75
April 17
Matthew 27:1-32
April 18
Matthew 27:33-56
April 19
Matthew 27:57-66
April 20
Matthew 28

Consider joining our corporate practice through the daily practice of:

Prayer

Allow Scripture to shape your imagination and to guide your prayer life as you make your way through the Gospel of Matthew leading up to Easter. Use the suggested scripture readings above to help guide you in your prayer.

Fasting

Consider a total fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, at the beginning and near the very end of Lent. You might also consider a partial fast throughout the season. A fast is meant to make you feel hungry or cranky or uncomfortable. You could fast a food item or food category or behavior or habit that you use to bring comfort to yourself. Get up earlier (fasting from that extra few minutes of sleep), give up scrolling (fasting from screens), give up a certain food or drink, etc.  lAs you feel hunger or discomfort, embrace it. Ask the Spirit to show you how you have turned to the things of this world to comfort yourself and accepted the gift without thinking of the Giver. Experience the delight and the invitation of that moment and turn again to the Father who gives you every good gift in the Son.

Almsgiving

Intentionally turn towards service and generosity. Perhaps give to organizations like World Vision, Samaritan's Purse, Operation Blessing, or Adventures Relief that have done so much work in our Valley since Helene. Perhaps give some of your time in service at a community meal or in a home restoration. Giving away your money and/or time helps you treasure what is eternal.




Promises of Jesus

We invite you to memorize some or all of these during Lent to remember the hope you have because of Jesus.

John 6:37

All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.

Luke 6:47

I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice



Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.



John 14:16

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.



Philippians 1:6

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 



John 16:33

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.



Matthew 22:36-40

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”



1 Peter 1:13-15

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Additional Resources for this Series