Last week was the second week of Lent. Lent is meant to be a time of repentance. These 40 days are set aside to praise and worship the Lord; to read the Bible more, and to pray more often. Christians who observeLent correctly anticipate deeper intimacy with the Lord. Many denominations choose to give up things during Lent. When I was growing up, I had a good friend who always gave up something during Lent. She also didn’t eat meat on Fridays. I didn’t really understand what this had to do with Lent, and I still don’t. The other day, I was with my teenage granddaughter when her parents were out of state. I reminded her to empty the dishwasher. Her reply to me was that she gave that up for Lent! I was almost sure she was kidding.

What we should really do is strive to bring ourselves closer to the Lord. We should make every effort to find ways to do this; if that means giving up our screen time to pray more and read the Bible, then, give something up.

Here are a few steps for practicing Lent in your own home and faith:

1. Name the pressing sin. Christians are taught to begin the 40-day period by confessing sins they would like Christ to remove; to “really examine areas of recurring sin” which are a hurdle to “being conformed to God’s will.” 

2. Partner with other Christians. Historically, entire church congregations would support one another during Lent. You are a witness to your own life, sharing truthfully, freely, and happily with little or no provocation. Friends encourage each other to be specific in their prayers and help one another seek Christ’s strength to stay the course.

3. Your “fast” should feel like a sacrifice, not a religious duty. Nor should the fast be dangerous to one’s health. Consider giving up one meal a day, a regular treat, coffee, or alcohol. Other sacrifices include increased charitable giving, avoiding social media, serving the community, or memorizing scripture.

4. Time with God is critical. Quiet and solitude enable one to listen to the Spirit and discern answers to prayer. Before the noisy corporate rejoicing of Easter Sunday, create opportunities for peaceful contemplation and intimacy with the Father. No matter how prayers are answered at the end of 40 days, no, yes, or wait-time with the Lord is cause for joy, praise, and thanks.

Use this time to bring yourself closer to God and remember the sacrifice Jesus gave to allow us to do this.