Preparing for Lent
February 21, 2020
Written By Lauren Stinner, Marketing Intern
As Christians, the weeks leading up to Easter can be a time of spiritual preparation. One of the ways you can prepare your heart in this season is by participating in Lent. The purpose of Lent is much like fasting; it takes something out of your everyday life and replaces it with time to grow in faith. This year, Lent starts on February 26th and ends on April 9th. As you approach this season of faith, think about what you can set aside in order to focus on your spiritual walk. As stated in our mission, Liberty Recreation Centers seeks to provide holistic well-being, and Lent is a perfect example of this. Here are some ways you can prepare for Lent.
Prepare Your Mind
The mid-semester stress is starting to set In, and it can be so easy to let other priorities crowd our heads. 1 Peter 1:13 says “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Setting aside a portion of your day to clear your mind can be beneficial in you walk with Christ. Meditation can help ease your stress, and activities like devotionals and yoga can be very helpful.
Prepare Your Body
Taking care of your health can be both physical and spiritual. 1 Timothy 4:8 says “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” Taking care of your physical health can aid in your mental health. When you take care of your body, you are not only honoring yourself, but honoring God.
Prepare Your Heart
This is the most important because getting your heart in the right place to hear God in the season of Lent can mean so much. Job 11:13-19 says “If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins and leave all iniquity behind you.” When you choose what you will give up for Lent, make sure your intentions are pure. Although every person is born with a sinful nature, keeping you heart set on God assures you are on the path to righteousness.
Think of Something You Can Give Up to Honor God More.
For example, giving up coffee or a social media platform can eliminate something you are subconsciously dependent on and replace it with more of Jesus. Lent is a wonderful way to spend time in your walk with God. Use this season to better your relationships, change your mindset, and reflect on the sacrifice Christ made for you.