A Season of Reflection, Prayer and Fasting During Lent

The season of Lent is scheduled during the 40 days before Good Friday, the holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed in many parts of the world. Although Protestant Christians do not traditionally observe Lent, believers do recognize the importance of reflection, prayer and fasting as vital spiritual disciplines. These practices help strengthen our relationship with God and keep our hearts focused on His will and His Word.

A Season of Reflection

Reflection is a godly practice that allows you to honestly evaluate your relationship with God—where you have been and where He is leading you. It is intentional time set apart from distractions to examine how your life aligns with God’s principles and purposes. Reflection is not meant to bring condemnation, but clarity and growth.

God’s Word is the foundation for meaningful reflection. As you search the Scriptures, allow them to measure your thoughts, decisions and actions. There are many helpful study tools available. We recommend The Kenneth Copeland Word of Faith Study Bible, which provides insights and explanations to help you better understand Scripture. You can also find valuable teaching and resources at kcm.org to guide you into deeper reflection. As you compare your life to God’s Word, be open to making adjustments to solidify your relationship with God.

As you reflect, take time to meditate on God’s will for your life. Take an inventory of what actions in your life lead you away from the Word of God and evaluate your daily obedience to His direction. Ask yourself: What is God calling me to do? How am I responding to His direction? These questions are personal and powerful. They are designed to draw you closer to God, not to discourage you. Jesus prayed, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10, KJV). That prayer can become your own heartfelt desire as you submit your plans to Him.

As you meditate on Him, remember how deeply and unconditionally He loves you (Romans 8:38-39). As you do, your reflection becomes rooted in that love. God loves you with an everlasting love and desires to see you succeed in every area of life. His Holy Spirit stands ready to help you and guide you as you walk with Him in trust and obedience. 

A Season of Prayer

Prayer is not meant to be complicated or mysterious. At its most fundamental level, prayer is simply communicating with God—talking with Him, sharing your heart and listening for His guidance. You can pray out loud or silently in your heart; God hears every prayer. He responds with ongoing fellowship offering wisdom, protection and direction. Through prayer, you enter into God’s presence with confidence. “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence” (Ephesians 3:12).

One foundation in every believer’s life is a time of repentance. Before being born again, you were separated from God because of sin. Repentance is the doorway into a restored relationship with Him. Repentance is not intended to be a one-time act. As your understanding of God grows, the Holy Spirit may prompt you to repent of attitudes or actions that pull you away from Him. Heartfelt repentance leads you to a lifestyle of freedom. Repentance is a gift. It clears your conscience and removes anything that hinders fellowship with God. The Apostle John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9, NKJV). 

As your relationship with God grows, you may also sense a desire to commit or dedicate yourself to God in a deeper way. This type of prayer is an intentional act of offering yourself to God. This type of dedication simply renews your commitment to walk with God. This close relationship with Him will continually shape your life for His glory and your good.

A Season of Fasting

What is the purpose of fasting? Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps train your flesh and focus your attention on God instead of physical or emotional desires. It creates space to hear God more clearly and respond to Him more fully.

How do you fast? Most people associate fasting with food—choosing to abstain from certain foods or meals and using that time to pray and meditate on God’s Word. Scripture provides several examples. Daniel fasted by refusing the king’s rich foods and choosing a simple diet instead (Daniel 1:8-16). Jesus fasted before facing the temptations of the devil, strengthening Himself spiritually to stand victorious (Luke 4:1-2).

In today’s culture, fasting may also include stepping away from distractions such as television, social media or news for a set period of time. A fast can involve anything that takes your time, time that could otherwise be spent with God. The purpose is always the same: to shift your focus from natural desires to a greater awareness of God and His love for you.

During this season of Lent, spend some time thinking about activities and time you spend in your personal life. Is there something you could fast for a season as you intentionally draw near to the Lord? 

Draw Near to God This Lent

Make this the season you engage in the spiritual disciplines of prayer, reflection and fasting in new ways. Allow the traditional 40 days of Lent to become a lifestyle of daily communing with God. By intentionally dedicating time to the Lord, you will see positive change—not only in your relationship with God, but also in your outlook, your relationships with others and the peace within your heart.

Related Articles:

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Learning How To Discipline Yourself for God’s Best