Posted by Chad Harvey

22/2/2012

Comments (1)

Lent

So, today marks the beginning of Lent. Maybe you’ve heard that word many times, but never really knew what it meant. Basically, Lent is the 40 day period (not counting Sundays) between Ash Wednesday and Holy Saturday. While it hasn’t always been this way, it is now recognized as a time for followers of Christ worldwide to deny themselves in various ways in order to pursue Jesus with more focus and intentionality. The Lent season culminates with the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection (Easter).

Rather than write a long post on some of my thoughts regarding lent, I would prefer to direct you to a great article written by Eugene Cho last year. Eugene is a passionate, entrepreneurial pastor in Seattle and he cuts right to the point regarding Lent. So… Go read the post. Now. Then, come back. Please.

After reading that, I am curious: What are you “giving up” for Lent? Anything? Nothing?

I have actually been thinking and praying about this season for the past few weeks and have decided to give one meal time per day (Mon-Fri) to other people. Each day I will either be connecting with someone over a meal or spending the meal praying for others. God is taking PAX on a journey that will thrust us into people’s lives. I want to use this time to allow the Holy Spirit to soften my heart to the needs of others.

… I may give up regular soda as well… but that might be asking too much ;)

  • Reeves Kathie

    This was a great blog (even though you didn’t write all of it)! I never did anything for Lent until 3 years ago because it was never really discussed at my church. I heard a little bit on K-LOVE about 40 Days of Water. After researching it and decided to give it a go. The purpose is to give up everything but tap water and donating what you would have spent purchasing beverages to provide clean drinking water for communities in Africa. The program also has daily devotionals to go with it and points back to God and the purpose of Lent. It opened my eyes and this is now my 3rd year participating.

    I really like your idea of a meal a day! It serves more of a purpose in our immediate community rather than across the globe, however I do know there is a purpose for supporting all over the world. Looking forward to hearing how Lent goes for you!