For many Christians, Lent is a familiar season—marked by fasting, prayer, and reflection—but for others, it remains a mystery. What exactly is Lent, and why does it matter?
More importantly, how can this ancient tradition shape our faith and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter?
The Meaning and History of Lent
Lent is a 40-day season of spiritual preparation leading up to Easter Sunday. It begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts until Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. These 40 days (excluding Sundays) mirror Jesus’ time of fasting and testing in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Rooted in church history, Lent has been observed for centuries as a time for believers to draw closer to God, repent of sin, and prepare their hearts to fully celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
Traditionally, Lent has been marked by three key spiritual practices:
- Fasting – Voluntarily giving up certain foods, habits, or comforts as a way to focus on dependence on God.
- Prayer – Deepening our communion with God through intentional and consistent time in His presence.
- Giving – Extending generosity and kindness, particularly toward those in need.
Why the Ashes?
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, a day when many believers receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. These ashes are often made from the burned palm branches of the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration. The practice of receiving ashes is deeply symbolic, reminding us of our mortality and our need for repentance. The words spoken during the imposition of ashes—”Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19)—serve as a sobering reminder that our lives are fleeting, and our ultimate hope is in Christ.
The use of ashes has biblical roots, as ashes were often associated with mourning, repentance, and humility (Job 42:6, Jonah 3:6, Daniel 9:3). By receiving ashes, believers outwardly express an inward commitment to turning away from sin and returning to God with a contrite heart.
Why Do People Give Things Up for Lent?
One of the most well-known Lenten practices is fasting or “giving something up.” This might include abstaining from food, social media, entertainment, or other habits. The purpose of this discipline is not simply self-denial but spiritual renewal. By removing distractions, believers create space to focus on God and depend more fully on His provision.
Giving something up for Lent serves multiple purposes:
- Developing spiritual discipline. Choosing to abstain from certain comforts can help cultivate self-control and reliance on God.
- Refocusing priorities. It allows believers to step back and evaluate what truly holds their attention and devotion.
- Identifying with Christ’s sacrifice. While our sacrifices are small in comparison, fasting reminds us of Christ’s suffering and helps us enter into His journey more intentionally.
Some believers also choose to take something on during Lent—such as committing to daily prayer, Scripture reading, acts of kindness, or community service. Whether giving up or taking on, the goal is the same: to draw closer to Christ and prepare our hearts for the joy of His resurrection.
The Significance of Lent for Believers Today
While some may view Lent as merely a church tradition, it is far more than that—it is a transformative season of renewal. In a culture that often prioritizes excess and self-indulgence, Lent offers a counter-cultural rhythm that calls us to slow down, examine our hearts, and refocus on Jesus.
Lent provides an opportunity to:
- Cultivate a posture of humility. By acknowledging our sinfulness and need for a Savior, we remember that Easter is not just about an empty tomb—it’s about the redemption we desperately need.
- Create space for God. Setting aside distractions and unnecessary noise helps us listen more closely to His voice.
- Prepare our hearts for the power of resurrection. Easter is not just another Sunday; it is the central moment of our faith. Lent allows us to anticipate and experience the fullness of Christ’s victory over sin and death.
A Worthy Journey Toward Easter
Participating in Lent is not about earning God’s love or proving our devotion—it’s about making room for Him to work in us. It’s about surrendering our own desires so that we might be filled with His. As we walk through this season, we remember that Lent ultimately points us to hope. The cross is not the end of the story. Jesus is alive, and through Him, we are made new.
Whether you have observed Lent for years or are considering it for the first time, this season invites you into something deeper—a journey of preparation, transformation, and renewal. As we set our eyes toward Easter, may we embrace Lent as a sacred time to seek the Lord, walk in His grace, and celebrate the resurrection with hearts fully awakened to His glory.
As the season of Lent kicks off this week, we want to invite you to follow along with our series, A Journey Through Lent. Starting Ash Wednesday, and continuing each Monday of Lent, we’ll be dropping videos to help guide us through this season. Watch on our YouTube Channel or on the QAVA app. Get started for free here.
