How do we reflect during the 40 days of Lent?

Definition and Purpose of the 40 Days

Lent is commonly associated with the 40 days leading up to the remembrance of the crucifixion and celebration of the resurrection. These days are traditionally focused on repentance, prayer, fasting, and sacrificial giving. While the term “Lent” itself is not mentioned in Scripture, the biblical principle of a 40-day period of sacred devotion is rooted in multiple examples. Scripture recounts Moses spending 40 days on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18) and Elijah traveling 40 days to meet God on Horeb (1 Kings 19:8). Most notably, Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, reflecting a period of testing, reliance on God, and preparation for ministry:

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry.” (Matthew 4:1–2)

These biblical precedents establish a framework for reflective times that prepare hearts for a deeper understanding of God’s purposes.

Biblical Foundations of Reflection

Throughout Scripture, reflection is tied to spiritual growth and intimacy with God. The Psalms frequently showcase introspective language, such as praying for inner examination: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.” (Psalm 139:23) This search leads to confession and redemption, which is integral to a 40-day season of focused sobriety and humility.

The prophets, too, called for reflection and repentance. Joel famously urges: “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” (Joel 2:12) Although written to ancient Israel, the spirit of repentance and heartfelt worship remains relevant for believers considering a season of contrition and realignment with God’s will.

Historical Development and Significance

Early church references to a 40-day fast before Easter appear in writings such as those of Irenaeus and other Church Fathers. In subsequent centuries, councils like the Council of Nicaea (AD 325) recognized a time of preparation for remembering the resurrection of Christ.

Over time, believers came to observe this period more formally, culminating in the tradition of Lent—40 days of intentional focus on discipleship. While its expression may differ across various Christian denominations, the underlying purpose remains: to bring hearts nearer to God through repentance, remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, and anticipation of the resurrection.

Focus on Prayer and Devotion

One of the central ways to reflect during these 40 days is through dedicated prayer. Paul exhorts believers to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). A structured or deliberate increase in daily prayer can heighten spiritual awareness and sensitivity to God’s voice. Devotional reading—especially of the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ ministry and passion—helps fix our minds on the redemptive work accomplished at the cross and validated by the empty tomb.

Setting aside intentional times each day for Bible reading creates space for reflection on one’s personal walk of faith. Many believers turn to passages that highlight repentance, forgiveness, and cleansing, such as 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Practice of Fasting

The practice of fasting is closely linked to Lent. Drawing from Jesus’ example in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11), fasting teaches dependence on God and reminds us that “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

Fasting can take different forms, whether abstaining from certain foods or activities. The goal is to redirect that time and energy toward obedience and communion with the Lord. As Isaiah 58:6–7 teaches, true fasting involves acts of compassion and justice—meeting the needs of others, caring for the hungry, and practicing righteousness.

Almsgiving and Acts of Service

Another emphasis is voluntary acts of charity and service. The 40 days can be a unique opportunity to show love and generosity as an overflow of gratitude to God. Jesus teaches: “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” (Matthew 6:3) This humble giving helps shift focus off ourselves and onto the needs of others.

Additionally, acts of mercy serve as a living witness to the transformative power of Christ. By reflecting on how Christ sacrificed Himself on behalf of humanity, believers are spurred to selfless service that mirrors His character.

Self-Examination and Repentance

Self-examination is at the heart of Lenten reflection. Times of dedicated silence, journaling, or meditative prayer foster honest introspection. Self-examination aligns with the psalmist’s plea for God to reveal any hidden offenses (Psalm 19:12). True repentance involves turning away from sin and harmful patterns of thought or behavior, choosing instead to walk in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:16).

This deeper understanding of our own sinfulness and Christ’s gracious atonement highlights the wondrous truth of salvation. Believers share the hope that all who confess Jesus as Lord are freed from condemnation (Romans 8:1) and can experience newness of life through the risen Christ.

Connecting to the Resurrection

Reflection would be incomplete without keeping resurrection as its pinnacle. As the apostle Paul declares, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith.” (1 Corinthians 15:14) The 40 days of Lent reorient the believer’s heart toward the ultimate victory Jesus secured—over sin and death.

Remembering Christ’s resurrection reminds believers that the temporary challenges of fasting, prayer, and introspection are not ends in themselves; they are preparation to celebrate that glorious triumph on Resurrection Sunday. This joy-filled culmination energizes believers to live out the gospel message year-round.

Practical Suggestions for Meaningful Reflection

• Dedicate daily time to Scripture reading and prayer—especially Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection (e.g., Matthew 26–28, Mark 14–16, Luke 22–24, John 17–21).

• Choose a type of fast that focuses your mind on God’s sufficiency, whether from certain foods, entertainment, or other accustomed comforts.

• Practice consistent acts of mercy—volunteer at a local shelter, support a charitable ministry, or befriend someone in need—to outwardly demonstrate Christ’s love.

• Engage with devotionals or reading plans that walk through the events and teachings leading to the crucifixion and resurrection.

• Maintain a journal to record prayers, reflections, and areas in which God is prompting repentance, growth, and spiritual fruit.

Strengthening Community and Fellowship

Though personal reflection is vital, Lent is also a communal journey in many traditions. Fellow believers often gather for prayer meetings, Bible studies, and corporate worship focused on themes of repentance and hope. Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages Christians to meet together and spur one another toward love and good deeds. Exchanging testimonies, encouragements, and prayer requests helps build each other up and stay committed to the purpose of these 40 days.

Conclusion

The 40 days of Lent offer a structured interval for deeper reflection on sin, grace, and the central truth of the resurrection. Rooted in biblical examples of significant 40-day periods, this season invites believers to examine their hearts and align themselves with God’s redemptive plan. Through prayer, fasting, acts of charity, and intentional self-examination, these days heighten anticipation for the celebration of resurrection—illuminating a priceless hope that transcends life’s struggles.

As these 40 days progress, may the example of Christ’s obedient suffering and the power of His victorious resurrection guide and sustain a renewed devotion, pointing all hearts toward the life-giving reality of the risen Savior.