Lent is a 40(ish)-day season of the Christian Year that is a time of preparation for Easter. It is typically observed as a time of simple living, prayer and fasting. In 2024, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday [February 14, 2024]. Sundays are not counted as part of the 40 days of Lent, as they become invitations to refrain from fasting in celebration of "little Easters".
What is Lent about?
Many spend the time in self-examination and reflection as modeled by Jesus in Matthew 4: 1-11 where he prayed and fasted for 40 days before beginning his ministry.
What happened during those 40 days of fasting and praying in the wilderness? Our friends at the Upper Room say that maybe Jesus needed some time with God to sort through the major changes happening in his life. Maybe he needed a break from family, friends and his regular routine in order to see God [and himself] more clearly. Maybe he sought more time with God as he searched for direction and answers to the question that we, too have from time to time: “Who am I called to be?”
We, too are invited into this time of introspection.
What is a Lent devotional?
Any Lent devotional is simply an invitation to reflect on God's presence and movement in our personal lives through the season.
One popular Lent devotional is our Photo-a-Day challenge. Each day, we present a scripture-inspired word for your consideration. Throughout the day, see how the word inspires you or shows up in your life and share your thoughts by posting a picture. No explanation is needed in your post. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. Tag us on your Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok with #rethinkchurch.
You don't have to be a great photographer. This project is more about the practice of paying attention and being intentional.
Need a daily reminder? We'll share them every morning on Facebook and Instagram.
Let’s start this 40-day journey together, sharing glimpses of our lives with one another. Let this be an intentional time, even for a few minutes a day, to pause, remember and reflect.
What scriptures do we use?
Our words are based on recommended readings from the Revised Common Lectionary--a resource many churches use for determining scripture readings and sermon topics for worship. The scripture pieces we used to inspire our words of the day are:
- February 14 - 17 >Genesis 9:8-17
- February 18 - February 24 > Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
- February 25 - March 2 > Exodus 20:1-17
- March 3 - 9 > Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
- March 10 - 16 > Jeremiah 31:31-34
- March 17 - 22 > Isaiah 50:4-9a
- March 23 - 30 > John 20:1-18
- April 9, Easter Sunday! Celebrate!
What's the community posting?
