For many people, Lent brings to mind a smudge of ashes on the forehead or the question "What are you giving up this year?" Those are good places to start, but the season offers much more. Lent is an invitation to slow down, make room for God and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.
Whether you grew up observing Lent or have never paid much attention to it, this guide explains what the season is about and offers practical ideas you can try at home, at work and with your church family at Laingsburg United Methodist Church.
What Is Lent?
Lent is the season of forty days, not counting Sundays, that begins on Ash Wednesday and leads up to Easter. The number forty echoes many stories in Scripture: Noah's forty days of rain, Israel's forty years in the wilderness, and especially Jesus' forty days of fasting and temptation in the desert before beginning his ministry (Matthew 4:1-11).
Sundays are not counted because every Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection, a "little Easter." That's why Lent actually spans about six and a half weeks on the calendar. In 2027, Ash Wednesday falls on February 10 and Easter Sunday on March 28.
Historically, Lent was the final period of preparation for people who would be baptized at Easter. Over time, the whole church joined them in a season of reflection, repentance and renewal. Purple, the color of Lent, signals that this is a time for honest self-examination. Read more in our guide to the Christian year and its colors.
Ash Wednesday: Where Lent Begins
On Ash Wednesday, many Christians receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads while hearing words such as "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return," or "Repent, and believe the gospel." The ashes are a humble reminder that life is a gift, that we depend on God, and that God's grace meets us in our weakness. It is not a gloomy ritual so much as an honest one, and honesty is the beginning of real change.
The Three Classic Practices of Lent
In Matthew 6:1-18, Jesus speaks about three spiritual practices: giving to those in need, prayer and fasting. Christians have long used these as the foundation of Lent.
1. Prayer
Lent is a natural time to deepen your prayer life. You might:
- Set aside ten minutes each morning for quiet prayer before checking your phone.
- Use a Lenten devotional book or app. The Upper Room publishes seasonal resources listed on our resources page.
- Pray through a Psalm each day. Psalm 51 is a traditional Lenten prayer.
- Try a simple prayer method from our guide on how to pray for beginners.
2. Fasting
Fasting means voluntarily going without something in order to focus on God. Traditionally it involved food, such as skipping a meal or eating simply on certain days. Today, many people fast from things like social media, television, online shopping or sweets.
The point is not self-punishment. Each time you feel the absence of what you gave up, let it become a reminder to turn toward God. Use the time or money you save for prayer or for helping others. A word of care: if you have health concerns, a history of disordered eating or are pregnant, talk with your doctor before any food fast, and consider a non-food fast instead.
3. Generosity (Almsgiving)
Lent is also a season for giving. Some families keep a jar on the kitchen table and add coins each day, then donate the total at Easter. Others choose a cause to support throughout the season. In Laingsburg, you might bring non-perishable food to the Laingsburg Area Food Bank, give through Money 4 Meals, or support mission through our giving page.
Giving Up vs. Taking On
Many people now pair "giving up" with "taking on." Instead of only removing something, you add a life-giving practice. For example:
- Give up complaining; take on writing one thank-you note a week.
- Give up an evening streaming habit; take on reading a Gospel from start to finish. Mark can be read in a couple of sittings.
- Give up eating out once a week; take on donating that money to hunger relief.
- Give up hurrying; take on a weekly walk in prayer around your neighborhood.
Choose something meaningful but realistic. A small practice kept faithfully for forty days will shape you more than an ambitious one abandoned in the first week.
Observing Lent With Your Family
Children can participate in Lent in age-appropriate ways:
- Make a paper chain with forty links and remove one each day until Easter.
- Choose a family service project, like assembling care bags for people in need.
- Read a short Bible story about Jesus at dinner each evening.
- Plant seeds at the start of Lent and watch new life grow by Easter.
Messy Church is another wonderful way for families to explore faith together. Learn more on our Family Ministries page.
Holy Week: The Heart of Lent
Lent reaches its climax in Holy Week, the week before Easter. It begins with Palm Sunday, when we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. On Maundy Thursday we remember the Last Supper, and on Good Friday we reflect on Jesus' crucifixion. These services can be deeply moving, and they make the joy of Easter morning all the more powerful. Laingsburg UMC has offered Maundy Thursday worship, joined neighboring churches for an ecumenical Good Friday service, and welcomed Easter with a sunrise service. Watch our Worship page and Facebook for each year's schedule.
What If I Slip Up?
You probably will, and that's okay. Lent is not a test you pass or fail. If you forget your fast or miss a day of prayer, simply begin again. God's grace is bigger than our good intentions. In fact, discovering how much we need grace is part of what Lent is meant to teach us.
A Simple Lenten Plan
- Before Ash Wednesday, choose one practice of prayer, one of fasting and one of generosity.
- Write them down and share them with a friend or small group for encouragement.
- Each Sunday, worship with your church family and reflect on how the week went.
- During Holy Week, attend at least one special service.
- On Easter, celebrate! Notice what God has changed in you.
Conclusion
Lent is a gift: forty days to clear away distractions and reconnect with the God who loves us. Through prayer, fasting and generosity, we prepare to celebrate the resurrection with renewed hearts. You don't have to walk through Lent alone. Join us for worship at Laingsburg United Methodist Church any Sunday at 10:30 am, in person or online, and let's make the journey to Easter together. New here? Start with our I'm New Here page.