First Sunday in Lent

Here we are in Lent, which began last Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, and ends approximately six weeks later at Easter. It provides us with a time to reflect on certain Christian disciplines, which were highlighted on Ash Wednesday, namely Prayer, Giving (or works of love, as mentioned above) and Fasting. The absence of flowers is a sign that Lent has commenced.
 
Lent is traditionally described as lasting for 40 days, in commemoration of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, before beginning his public ministry, during which he endured various temptations.
 
How might you observe the three disciplines mentioned?
Prayer – can you commit to daily prayer times or decide that church attendance will be weekly or twice a week during Lent?
 
Giving or Works of Love – when we think of the giving of the Lord Jesus we are reminded that there is much we can do to imitate him. Perhaps six weekly gifts to a mission agency or a charity of your choice.
 
Fasting – this can heighten prayer times for us. Some Christians give up certain luxuries in order to replicate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ's journey into the desert for 40 days. Personally, I’ve never found giving up chocolate to be a serious sacrifice. What might I give up that would hurt and be a reminder of Jesus suffering?
 
Many Christians also add a Lenten spiritual discipline, such as reading a daily devotional or praying through a Lenten calendar, to draw themselves near to God. Hence, I commend the Lenten study groups to you.
May this Lent be a time of deep reflection for you and may you be drawn ever closer to the Lord Jesus.