Every February or March, the Friday fish fry signs go up. One Wednesday you notice friends with ash on their foreheads. Somebody at work says they're giving up chocolate or social media "for Lent." So what is it, and why do some Christians keep it while others don't?
Lent is the 40 days before Easter. Many Christians use it to slow down, pray, fast, and get their hearts ready to celebrate Jesus rising from the dead. And even if your church doesn't observe it, the practices behind it can help you grow closer to God.
The 40 Days Before Easter
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and runs until just before Easter Sunday. (On the calendar it's 46 days, but Sundays aren't counted, since each Sunday is treated as a little Easter.)
The 40 days mirror the time Jesus spent fasting and praying in the wilderness before His ministry began. "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry" (Matthew 4:1–2).
For those who keep it, Lent is a way to walk with Jesus toward the cross and make room for God in a distracted life. Think of it as spring cleaning for your soul. You clear out what's cluttering things up so you can focus on what matters most.
The Three Pillars of Lent
Traditionally, Lent centers on three practices. Each one touches a different part of your relationship with God and with other people.
Prayer draws you closer to God. "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen" (Matthew 6:6). It's time set apart to listen for His voice and be with Him, without the usual noise.
Fasting loosens the grip of things that have too much hold on you. Going without something for a while shows you how much you lean on it, and the hunger reminds you that you depend on God. Jesus said, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
Giving turns your heart toward other people. When you give your time, money, or attention, you reflect God's generosity. "Freely you have received; freely give" (Matthew 10:8).
Making Lent Meaningful Today
You don't have to come from a liturgical church to learn from Lent. Its practices are good for any Christian who wants to grow.
Start by asking honestly what's coming between you and God. Maybe it's busyness, your phone, comfort, or anger you haven't dealt with. Then pick one practice. Spend the first ten minutes of every day in prayer. Stay off social media after 8pm. Do one generous thing each week that nobody knows about.
The point isn't to look religious. It's to make room for God to change you. "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).
Lent was never meant to earn God's favor. At its best, it helps believers see how much they need Him and open their hearts to His grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to give something up for Lent?
Lent often includes fasting from something, but you could add a good habit instead. A better question than "What should I give up?" is "What change would make more room for God in my life?"
Is Lent mentioned in the Bible?
No, the season itself isn't in the Bible. But it's built on biblical practices like preparation, prayer, and fasting, and Jesus Himself spent 40 days in the wilderness before His ministry began.
What if I mess up my Lent commitment?
Welcome to being human. Falling short is one of the ways Lent teaches grace. When you slip, just start again. You'll often learn the most right there.
Is Lent only for Catholics or Orthodox Christians?
Lent has deep roots in those traditions, but many Protestant and non-denominational churches observe it too. Prayer, fasting, and giving belong to the whole church.
A Season of Renewal
At Dwelling House, we don't observe Lent as a formal tradition. But we do talk about it, because many believers use this season to slow down, pray, fast, and prepare their hearts for Easter.
If you choose to keep it, leave the pressure to be perfect at the door and come with grace. Believers have walked this path for centuries, and it still has wisdom for our hurried lives. The wilderness isn't a detour. It's often where the most important growth happens. Jesus came out of His 40 days ready for ministry, and God can renew you too.
However you spend these weeks, make room for God to do what only He can do. You can't earn the joy of Easter. But you can get your heart ready to receive it.