What Is Lent?
Lent is a sacred season of 40 days (46 including Sundays) leading up to Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday. Because Sundays are celebrated as “little Easters,” they remain days of joy and Sabbath celebration, even during this reflective season. Throughout Lent, Christians around the world devote themselves to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, following the example of Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, where He fasted and was tempted by Satan. This is a season marked by repentance, self-denial, and an honest reflection on our mortality and our need for Christ.
The Three Pillars of Lent -- Traditionally, the Church emphasizes three spiritual practices during Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving (serving and giving to others) These practices are rooted in Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:1-18, where He calls His followers to pray, fast, and give to the poor quietly and sincerely, not for public recognition, but for God alone.
This year, Smith Chapel is offering Made for More: Mobilizing Your Faith for Everyday Mission as a Lenten journey. In this daily devotional, author Erika Rizkallah walks through the book of Ephesians, dedicating one week to each chapter. Each day includes a devotional for spiritual growth and reflection, and each week concludes with a “Shift Work” section to help you put what you’re learning into practice. Along the way, you’ll discover God’s plan for love and unity in the body of Christ, your calling as an everyday missionary, and encouragement for seasons of spiritual battle. Printed copies are available at the church, or you may email thechapel@live.com to request one.
