Lent prayers. Today starts Lent. It is the 40-day period dedicated to preparing for the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – Easter. Lent begins on Ashes Day and lasts forty days. Every Sunday is dedicated to the resurrection of Christ, so it is not a time of repentance or fasting. For this reason, Lent commenced on Ash Wednesday before the first Sunday of Lent to preserve the fortieth-day period.
Lent Devotional for every day: Daily Devotional
The most important practices during Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. As Pope Francis said of Lent prayers, fasting, and almsgiving: “All three exclude the need for appearances: what counts is not appearances: the value of life does not depend on the approval of others or success, but on what we have inside us.”
So, Lent allows us to change ourselves by restricting ourselves and giving more to God and others. So, let’s look more closely at the meaning of Lent, its biblical references, and the special prayers and practices associated with it. We will also share some ideas for Lent prayers.
What is the meaning of Lent?
Lent is a time of concentration and penitence.
During Lent, we realize how small we are, acknowledge our failures and sins, and seek God’s help to grow. All this helps us draw closer to God.
During Lent, believers are urged to fast, especially on the Day of Ashes and every Friday. They should also refrain from any amusements and anything that harms or distorts their relationship with God and others.
The purpose of repentance is to redress what attracts sin and to promote what leads to goodness. Thus, Lent is a great time to consider your relationship with God. To ask the questions, who am I to God, and who is God to me? Do I live in the Spirit of Good News given by Christ?
Therefore, during Lent, the Church encourages believers to confess their sins. Also, it is advised to stop for a few minutes each day to read, meditate on the Bible, and pray.
What are the biblical references to Lent?
Lent lasts 40 days, and this idea can be found in the Bible.
- Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness, where he was tempted (Matthew 4:2).
- Also, some other 40-day periods are mentioned in the Bible.
- The great flood lasted forty days and nights (Genesis 7:4).
- Moses spent forty days and nights on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18).
- The prophet Elijah, for forty days and forty nights, went up to the hill of God at Horeb (1 Corinthians 19: 8).
- The exploration of the promised land lasted forty days (Numbers 14:34).
- Also, the number 40 most often expresses the age of one generation.
- The Hebrew people wandered in the desert for 40 years on their way to the Promised Land (Numbers 14:34).
- Forty years of the reign of David (2 Samuel 5:4).
All the periods mentioned in the Bible are times of expectation, but also a challenge and a struggle. From here comes Lent’s idea- a time of expectation of Jesus’ resurrection and, at the same time, effort, and challenge.
The challenge is to change your everyday life and to give more than you receive.
Why is Lent prayer practice critical?
Prayer is a conversation with God. In prayer, we talk to God, and He speaks to us. This communication can take many forms, as 1 Thessalonians 5:1 says: “Pray without ceasing.” It may sound like a complex challenge to some people, but prayer, or any other activity, requires discipline and effort. As was already said, Lent is about challenging yourself and giving more.
So Lent is one of the best times to promise to pray consistently and to prioritize Lenten prayers during the 40 days. You can make a Lent prayer plan, including when and what prayers you will say.
Most importantly, your prayers shouldn’t be formal but should come from the bottom of your heart. By praying, you must seek the Lord and beg for His grace. And it doesn’t matter in what form you will say Lent prayers. For example, some people choose to pray daily devotionals during Lent.
For example, Catholics have a tradition of praying during Lent, the Stations of the Cross. They are traditionally prayed on the Fridays of Lent.
You may ask God for daily Lent prayers for the changes you want most in your life. So say this short Lent prayer before starting your chosen everyday conversation with God.
Daily Lent prayers during 40 days: faithful praying, fasting, almsgiving
Lord, be with me during all my Lenten prayer journey. Let me be honest with myself; let me see everything wrong with my soul and heart and admit my shortcomings and sins. Lord, show me what I should change in my life, and please fill my heart with patience, gratitude, and peace. Please teach me to accept others and show my love to them.
Lord, please guide me to the path that leads closer to you. I only pray to reconcile with you and live in the light of your grace. Heavenly Father, please give me the strength to keep my promises and to get closer to you through my Lent prayers and good works. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
As Jesus said in Mark 1:15, “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. So repent and believe the good news!” These words summarize the main idea of the Lent period.
The Promised Land, the Kingdom of God, is right next door, but your efforts are needed to enter it. So let’s make a small step towards our Lord, who stretched out his arms on the cross to save us and still waits for us with open arms and hearts. Let’s make Lenten prayers our small gift to the Lord, to others, and to ourselves.
Also read: Prayer Guide
