How Do We Observe Lent in a Biblical Way?

Like all outward acts of faith, a Lenten fast can easily be twisted into nothing more than empty action. Blindly deciding to give up a comforting treat or a social activity, therefore, betrays the very purpose of the Lenten season.

It matters not if we go without popcorn or coffee if our hearts remain unaffected. An empty observance is not the fast the Lord calls us to. Again, the prophet Joel is helpful. Joel cries out, “Rend your heart and not your garments, return to the Lord your God” (Joel 2:13).

What good is a fast if, after we have proclaimed our withdrawal, we live our lives with near-regular routines? The fast holds no transformation.

The observance of Lent is about the state of our hearts before God. To rend our hearts is to hold them bare before the Lord, and to be willing to have our hearts exposed. Thus, observing a Lenten fast is more an internal activity rather than an outward one. 

Rather than thinking about creative fasts we may engage in, we are called to consider how we may draw closer to God in intentional acts of devotion.

For our Lenten journey to be truly transformative we must push past easy observances and allow the season to challenge us. Lent involves a journey to the cross. This journey to the cross is to be marked by a longing for divine closeness.

Peter reminds us that “Christ died for sin once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). The truth we re-hear at Easter is the truth we long to embrace today, that Jesus ushers us into the heart of God. This, and this alone, is the purpose of Lent.

Lent, therefore, is a time to look at the relational closeness between ourselves and our Lord. Where do we need to grow closer with Jesus? Where do our actions, our habits, or our attitudes, get in the way of the call to faithful living?

Such questions are uncomfortable, but necessary, as we are all imperfect people living in an imperfect world. Sin occurs in a myriad of ways. 

We sometimes care too much about ourselves than our neighbors; we take up self-indulgent appetites; we live out of anger, frustration, or doubt; we act uncharitably or unkindly; we forsake justice and fairness.

The yearly season of such self-reflection is beneficial for our spiritual lives, Lent calls us, therefore, to assess our lives and our walk with God.

Our journey to the cross calls us to step away from whatever obstructs our closeness with the Lord. Lenten observance, therefore, should address the habits, false worships, and misplaced loves that keep us from experiencing the gracious intimacy with God.

It is only as we address these areas that we can fully enter the celebration of Easter as transformed people.

For further reading:

Is Lent Really in the Bible?

What Should I Give Up for Lent This Year?

How Long Does Lent Last?

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The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada.  He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others.  He also maintains his own blog revkylenorman.ca.  He has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.