3 Lessons You can Learn this Lent Tandia Hughes - 9 Feb 2016

LENT: “ a time of preparation and fasting inspired by Jesus’ time in the wilderness.”

It’s definitely not Christmas any more. By this time of year, we’re caught up in all things human, and we can easily push our faith, and Jesus, into the passenger seat.

Lent is where we can specifically seek to bring God to the forefront of our minds; a time of preparation in the run up to Easter.

Jesus’ time in the wilderness is full of lessons. Here are three that we can learn from: 

1. Self-examination

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness…” 

-  Luke 4:1 

Self-examination is when you look into your everyday actions and person as a whole. Often, retreating from everything (like Jesus did) is a great way to practise self-examination. The Examen is a prayerful reflection on the events of the day which helps us to identify God’s presence and discern his direction for us.   

Focus on Self-Reflection

This week, grab a notebook and use it for self-examination. Go through the process of The Examen and write your thoughts each day. Why not get into the habit of practising this each day of Lent? 

Go Deeper: Check out our Examen Podcast series for more teaching on the practices of Jesus. 

2. overcoming Temptation

 “…for forty days he was tempted by the devil.”

-Luke 4:2

Jesus went to the wilderness to pray and fast as a time of preparation. In the wilderness he was tempted by the Devil.  Temptation is when the Devil tries to get us to live according to sinful desires; not God’s way. So how can we overcome temptation?

Focus on overcoming Temptation

Start by watching our 24-7 video podcast: ‘The Word Overcomes Temptation’, Then each day through Lent, let the Bible to inspire and encourage you to live God’s way.

Think through what your main temptations are; the things which most often distract you from spending time with God. Spend each day of Lent focusing your prayers on overcoming these temptations. 

3. Fasting

“He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished…”

Luke 4:2

Many Christians use fasting as a way of getting closer to God. As we know from the story of Jesus in the desert, Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights during this period. So what can we do? 

Focus on Fasting

Try fasting for a day a week during Lent. When I first tried to fast, I found it really difficult to stop thinking about food; I was worrying too much about my stomach to remember the reason I was fasting in the first place! Check out our webpage on fasting for more inspiration.

So during this time of preparation, be challenged and encouraged to try something new: learn from Jesus. 

Looking for more resources? The podcasts section of our website contains a range of videos that will equip and inspire your prayer life.