[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during February 2026]
So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.
Ezra 8 v23 [ESVUK]
In her reflection on Sunday, Helen wrote about the period of Lent; here we continue with that line of thought.
Lent is the solemn Christian religious observance in the liturgical year in preparation for Easter. It echoes the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation by Satan, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, before beginning his public ministry.[1]
In this year the period of Lent has been designated as being between Wednesday 18th February to Thursday 02nd April, with some variations relating to which days are included. The observance of Lent has a long history; most of the longer-established Christian denominations have included Lent within their liturgical calendars since the Council of Nicea in 325AD.
In recent years there has been a growing interest amongst non-conformist churches in recognising the principles if not the full practice of Lent. These principles include prayer, fasting, and the giving of help to those in need.
Prayer
Prayer can be communal and public or personal and private. During Lent the expectation is that the emphasis should be on the latter, including confession, repentance and thankfulness. Jesus suggested a way in which we can pray without being distracted:
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6 v6 [ESVUK]
Fasting
One prominent element in Lent is the undertaking of periods of fasting. These periods may be designated by the liturgy of the denomination or they may be decided by personal preference.
Jesus had some advice for those who want to fast:
But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6 v17-18 [ESVUK]
Giving Help
This year, the day before the start of Lent is also ‘National Random Acts of Kindness Day’[2] Of course, we do not require a special day or a liturgical incentive to be generous towards those in need. Jesus declared that there would always be opportunities to help the poor[3] and he also explained how such activities are honoured in heaven.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25 v35, 40 [ESVUK]
Promoting Unity
In addition to the three basic principles, Lent is often seen as an opportunity to spend some time with those with whom we have a shared faith but where we have a harmonious disagreement on some details of how we express that faith. This can often result in a healthy exchange of ideas and new friendships whilst also showing unity in the community of faith.
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
1 Peter 3 v8 [ESVUK]
In the Anglian liturgy the designated colour for Lent is purple
References:
[1] Wikipedia: Lent
[2] random-acts-of-kindness-day
[3] Matthew 26:11
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Last week’s reflection: The Stuff of Dreams
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys