INTRODUCTION

The six weeks before Easter is called the "Lenten Season". It is a time to focus on the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus died for our sins, giving us life, and through His resurrection, we have the hope of eternal life in heaven.

• Lent comes from the word "lengthen," representing the time in spring when the days grow longer.

• Originally, Lent was observed for 40 hours to commemorate Christ's 40 hours in the tomb. Later, it was extended to 6 days and eventually to 40 days.

• Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 40 days before Easter, excluding Sundays.

• The purpose of Lent is to prepare ourselves through self-examination, instruction, repentance, and prayer.

• It is a time for mourning, solemnity, and reflection on our need for God's forgiveness.

• Lent is also an opportunity to experience and reflect on the sufferings of Jesus and His sacrifice for our sins.

• Many people dedicate extra time to prayer during Lent, seeking a closer relationship with God.

• Lent can be a time of spiritual renewal and growth as we strive to live according to Christ's standards of self-giving and love.

• It is also a time to share with others the hope found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

I. THE LENTEN SEASON IS THE TIME OF PREPARATION

Lent is a season intentionally set aside for self-examination, instruction, repentance, and prayer. It is a time for all believers to prepare themselves for the celebration of Easter.

II. THE LENTEN SEASON IS THE TIME FOR PENITENCE AND DISCIPLINE

During Lent, we are called to mourn, reflect on our sins, and deny ourselves certain pleasures. It is a time to strip away the things that hinder our relationship with God and focus on His forgiveness and grace.

III. THE LENTEN SEASON IS THE TIME FOR SPECIAL PRAYER

Lent provides an opportunity for us to dedicate extra time to personal and public prayer. By seeking God's face and turning away from our wicked ways, we can experience His forgiveness and healing.

IV. THE LENTEN SEASON CAN BE A TIME OF SPIRITUAL RENEWAL AND GROWTH

As we imitate Christ's fasting and prayer in the desert, we can strive to live according to His teachings and example. By incorporating prayer, meditation, and acts of love into our lives, we can experience spiritual renewal and grow closer to God.

V. THE LENTEN SEASON IS THE TIME TO SHARE THE HOPE FOUND IN JESUS CHRIST

Through our participation in Lent, we can share with others the hope and joy that comes from having a relationship with Jesus Christ. His presence in our lives is the source of our hope for eternal glory.

CONCLUSION:

Lent is a season of preparation, penitence, prayer, renewal, and sharing the hope found in Jesus Christ. As we observe Lent, let us examine ourselves, seek God's forgiveness, and grow in our faith. May this Lenten season be a time of spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's love and grace.

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