FAQs
1. What is Lent?
Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and reflection observed by Christians worldwide. It begins on Ash Wednesday and leads up to Easter Sunday. During this time, believers prepare their hearts for the resurrection of Christ through repentance, self-discipline, and spiritual renewal.
2. Why is Lent 40 days long?
Lent lasts 40 days to reflect the 40 days Jesus fasted and prayed in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) before beginning His ministry. It is a time to draw closer to God by surrendering distractions and focusing on His presence.
3. What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Many churches hold special services where ashes are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross, symbolizing repentance and human mortality (Genesis 3:19). While we may not impose ashes, we encourage everyone to begin this season with prayer and a renewed commitment to God.
4. What should I give up for Lent?
Lent is a time of self-denial and sacrifice, but it is also about spiritual discipline. Common practices include:
Fasting is encouraged but not required. The purpose of fasting is to remove distractions and create space for God. If food fasting isn’t possible for you, consider fasting from non-essential activities and dedicating that time to prayer and service.
6. How can I grow spiritually during Lent?
Lent is an opportunity to strengthen your faith. Here are some ways to grow:
7. How can I participate in Lent at WABC?
At Western Avenue Baptist Church, we encourage you to participate in Lent through:
1. What is Lent?
Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and reflection observed by Christians worldwide. It begins on Ash Wednesday and leads up to Easter Sunday. During this time, believers prepare their hearts for the resurrection of Christ through repentance, self-discipline, and spiritual renewal.
2. Why is Lent 40 days long?
Lent lasts 40 days to reflect the 40 days Jesus fasted and prayed in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) before beginning His ministry. It is a time to draw closer to God by surrendering distractions and focusing on His presence.
3. What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Many churches hold special services where ashes are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross, symbolizing repentance and human mortality (Genesis 3:19). While we may not impose ashes, we encourage everyone to begin this season with prayer and a renewed commitment to God.
4. What should I give up for Lent?
Lent is a time of self-denial and sacrifice, but it is also about spiritual discipline. Common practices include:
- Fasting from food or certain meals (e.g., sweets, caffeine, or meat)
- Limiting distractions (e.g., social media, TV, or excessive spending)
- Committing to a spiritual practice (e.g., daily prayer, scripture reading, or serving others)
Rather than just “giving something up,” consider adding a habit that brings you closer to God.
Fasting is encouraged but not required. The purpose of fasting is to remove distractions and create space for God. If food fasting isn’t possible for you, consider fasting from non-essential activities and dedicating that time to prayer and service.
6. How can I grow spiritually during Lent?
Lent is an opportunity to strengthen your faith. Here are some ways to grow:
- Attend prayer meetings and Bible study (Join us for Ash Wednesday Prayer at 6:30 PM via Zoom!)
- Commit to a daily devotional or scripture reading plan
- Pray intentionally—set aside dedicated time to talk with God
- Serve others—look for ways to bless those in need
- Journal or reflect on how God is working in your life
7. How can I participate in Lent at WABC?
At Western Avenue Baptist Church, we encourage you to participate in Lent through:
- Ash Wednesday Prayer Service – Join us on March 5 at 6:30 PM via Zoom
- Weekly Bible Studies – Deepen your faith with our midweek teachings
- Prayer & Fasting – Dedicate time to seeking God and surrendering distractions
- Serving the Community – Look for opportunities to give back in Christ’s love
- Easter Celebration – Join us for worship on Resurrection Sunday!
Suggested Scripture Readings for Lent
Below is a weekly scripture reading plan to help guide you through this season:
📖 Week 1: Repentance & Turning to God
Below is a weekly scripture reading plan to help guide you through this season:
📖 Week 1: Repentance & Turning to God
- Joel 2:12-13 – Return to the Lord with all your heart
- Psalm 51 – A prayer of repentance and renewal
- Mark 1:15 – "Repent and believe in the Gospel"
- Exodus 33:14 – "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
- Psalm 27:8 – "Your face, Lord, I will seek."
- Matthew 6:6 – Jesus teaches about secret prayer
- Matthew 6:16-18 – Jesus teaches about fasting
- Isaiah 58:6-7 – The kind of fasting God desires
- Philippians 4:6-7 – Pray about everything with thanksgiving
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – "My grace is sufficient for you."
- James 1:2-4 – Trials produce perseverance
- Romans 8:28 – All things work together for good
- Micah 6:8 – "Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God."
- John 13:14-15 – Jesus washes His disciples' feet
- Matthew 25:40 – "Whatever you did for one of the least, you did for me."
- Matthew 26:36-46 – Jesus prays in Gethsemane
- Isaiah 53:3-7 – The suffering servant
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – Christ died for our sins and was raised