The Season of Lent

Speaker: Paul Brown

Notes

Some interesting facts, such as: Shrove means "repent"; the 40 days of Lent take 46 days because you should celebrate the resurrection every Sunday; Carnival means "goodbye to meat".

Lent is a time of self-examination. Take stock and prepare, like Jesus in the wilderness (Matt 4). Settle the big questions: who am I? why do I do what I do? how to I relate to God? Make an honest judgement (Rom 12:3).

Lent is a time of repentance. Turning away from sin. Do it every day, as quickly as possible, but remember it's never too late. God will always forgive and purify us (1 John 1:8-9).

Lent is a time of fasting. Giving up some luxuries to focus our prayer and our attention on God. Jesus endorsed it as a normal part of spiritual life (Matt 9:14-15). Do it as and when the Lord directs you, not out of duty.

Lent is a time of prayer. Talk to God, be with God, hear from God. Focus outwards not just on your own needs. Use the Lent Prayer Focus resources.

Lent is followed by Easter - celebrate! Jesus is alive!!!!

Application

"Think of yourself with sober judgement" (Rom 12:3). This doesn't mean be negative about yourself, but be honest. How easy do you find it to be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses? Sometimes our friends can see more clearly than we can ourselves, so encourage one another by talking about one another's strengths.

What is your experience of fasting? Have you found it helpful in focussing you on God? Ask the Lord if he would have you take on some kind of fast this Lent, either individually or as a group.

Use the Lent prayer card to focus your prayers as a group.

Posted: 3 Feb 2008