Here’s a guide to help you navigate this sacred season with a suggested 40-day plan.
Understanding Ash Wednesday and Lent
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, observed by many Christian denominations. On this day, ashes are placed on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance and mortality. The ashes remind us that “we are dust, and to dust we shall return” (Genesis 3:19).
Lent is a time for Christians to prepare for Easter through various practices such as fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. It commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, enduring temptation by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11).
A 40-Day Plan for Lent
Here’s an option for a plan to guide you through Lent, focusing on different themes each week:
Week 1: Repentance and Reflection
Day 1 (Ash Wednesday): Attend an Ash Wednesday service and receive ashes. Reflect on your need for repentance. If your church doesn’t offer ashes, feel free to order on our website for personal use throughout this season.
Days 2-7: Read and meditate on David’s Psalm 51 which was believed to have been written after his sin with Bathsheba. Pray for a clean heart and a renewed spirit.
Week 2: Fasting and Self-Denial
Days 8-14: Choose something to fast from (e.g., a favorite food or all food for a period, social media, or other distractions). Reflect on Matthew 6:16-18 about the proper attitude towards fasting.
Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV):
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Week 3: Prayer and Meditation
Days 15-21: Dedicate extra time each day for prayer. Use the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) as a guide. Consider keeping a prayer journal! This is always a special way to look back and see how the Lord answers prayer.
Week 4: Scripture Reading
Days 22-28: Read the Gospel of Mark, focusing on Jesus’ ministry and teachings. Reflect on how His words apply to your life.
Possible reflection questions:
How does Mark’s introduction of Jesus as the Son of God shape your understanding of His mission?
How does Jesus’ call to the first disciples challenge your understanding of discipleship?
How does the healing of the paralytic demonstrate Jesus’ authority to forgive sins?
Reflect on the importance of listening and understanding in Jesus’ teachings.
Reflect on Jesus’ call to “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” How can you live this out in your daily life?
Week 5: Acts of Kindness and Almsgiving
Days 29-35: Create a daily act of kindness calendar for this week! How sweet will it be to journal these experiences and peoples’ responses to encourage kindness beyond week 5! You could donate to a charity or volunteer locally. Reflect on Matthew 25:35-40 about serving others.
Week 6: Preparation for Holy Week
Days 36-40: Reflect on the events of Holy Week. Read the accounts of Jesus’ passion in the Gospels (Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, John 18-19).
Reflection questions this week:
How does Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17) challenge your understanding of leadership and service?
What does the institution of the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-29) mean to you personally?
What can you learn from Jesus’ submission to the Father’s will in times of personal struggle?
How do Jesus’ prayers in Gethsemane reflect His humanity and divinity?
Reflect on the significance of Jesus’ words from the cross. How do they deepen your understanding of His sacrifice?
Holy Week
Palm Sunday: Reflect on Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11).
Maundy Thursday: Remember the Last Supper and Jesus’ commandment to love one another (John 13:1-17).
Good Friday: Contemplate Jesus’ crucifixion and sacrifice (John 19:1-30).
Holy Saturday: Reflect on the silence of the tomb and the hope of resurrection.
Lent can be a special journey of transformation and renewal of your commitment to God. By following this 40-day plan, you can deepen your faith and prepare your heart for the joy of Easter. Remember, the goal is not just to give up something, but to grow closer to God and become more like Christ!
