The Spiritual Disciplines of Lent

Lent is a 40-day season of reflection and humility often observed through the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, and giving.

PRAYER: A special focus on prayer during Lent can help reveal disordered loves. Across Church history, Christians have used Scripture and other written prayers to guide their time with the Lord during Lent. In addition to the prayer suggestions included in the Journey to the Cross devotional book, available in the WPC narthex, consider using Psalm 130 and Lenten prayers from St. Ephraim of Syria, The Book of Common Prayer, and The Valley of Vision, provided on this page for easy reference.

FASTING: To fast is to deliberately exclude or deny something in disciplined submission to the Lord. Fasting functions as a constant reminder of our spiritual goal for a season, and it creates space for communion with Him in prayer and contemplation. Fasting from food for periods of each day, or from specific foods for the entire season is a traditional way to do this. But fasting can also be a practice of denying activities or attitudes. For instance, fasting from time online or watching TV could create space for rest. Fasting from buying meals out could free cash flow for giving.

The discipline of fasting can be shared with those who might be affected by it, like family or roommates. But the intent is to fast quietly, in humility, as an act of worship. In our self-affirming world, experiencing something powerful without announcing it on social media is perhaps a modern application of Jesus’ admonition in Matthew chapter 6:

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”   [Matthew 6:16-18]

GIVING: The disciplines of prayer and fasting are often linked to almsgiving and mercy. Consider ways to generously and sacrificially give of your resources during this season. Helpful links to WPC’s Outreach Partners are available at wpcdayton.org/missions-and-outreach. Donations to WPC can be made at wpcdayton.org/giving.