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It is a tradition at Active Christians Today UToledo to use the time of Lent during Spring Semester to deepen our relationship with God and focus on discipleship and spiritual growth.
Our Lent Challenge has two parts:
1. Fast and pray one day each week from sunup to sundown. The days will grow longer as we approach Easter making this fast more of a challenge each week.
2. Complete the "Praying the Scripture Through Lent" YouVersion 40-day devotion. The devotion may be found HERE.
The goal of our one day a week fasting and praying and daily devotion is to draw nearer to God’s word and purpose for our lives. This kind of constructive focus helps to both spiritual and physically cleanse the earthly temple God has given us.
Some of our students have already decided to add an additional fast during Holy Week by fasting from noon on Good Friday to breakfast on Easter morning (it is a long time... but you can do it!).
There are other ways to take part in our Lent observance. How can you take part in our ACT UT observance of Lent this year?
In addition to our one day a week fast, many Christians make a sacrifice either by giving something up or taking something on. What will you choose? Some people give up a cherished food item, television show, social media or other “must-have.” Others answer God's call to increase their prayer time or take on a ministry of another kind. Pick what you will add or subtract and commit to do this for the entire season of Lent.
Service and helping others is another way to observe Lent. We will weekly discover ways we can reach out to the world through service.
Participate in our “Maundy Thursday” observance on Thursday, April 6 at 7 PM. “Maundy” means “command” and highlights Jesus' command at His last supper with the disciples when He said “do this in remembrance of me.” We will observe the Lord’s Supper together.
Will you commit to join with us during the season of Lent? It is a great opportunity to learn the meaning of Lent and the joy of deepening your relationship with God!
Lent is a mystery to many people. Depending on your church, you may never have heard of Lent or experienced it in any way. Lent is not something we find in the Bible nor is it required. Instead, it is inspired by Scripture and can be a great tool if used to deepen your faith and relationship with God.
Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday (the day before Easter). Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten, which means “spring.” The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry.
Among Believers who observe Lent it is viewed as a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a perfect time for self-examination and reflection. Believers use this time to focus on their relationship with God and often choose to give up something or to volunteer and give of themselves for others.