.png)
Lent is a time of deep significance in the Christian calendar, filled with opportunities for personal reflection, sacrifice and spiritual growth. Spanning 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday, this sacred season calls believers to draw closer to Elohim through dedicated prayer, intentional fasting, acts of almsgiving and conditioning one's emunah. Ultimately, Lent prepares Christians to joyfully celebrate the resurrection of Yeshua Christ on Easter Sunday. Hebrews that claim Judaism don't celebrate Lent, which is a Christian observance, but some suggest that the month of Elul can be considered a Jewish Lent.
During Lent, Christians are encouraged to pursue genuine transformation of heart and mind. This journey is not merely about giving up luxuries or pleasures It involves embodying the teachings of Yeshua Christ in everyday life. Engaging in these practices helps followers deepen their emunah with Elohim.
Emunah is most often translated into English as "faith" or "belief," but its meaning is closer to the word "trust." When the word first appears in the Torah, in the story of Avraham's (Abraham) encounter with Elohim, the verse says,
"And he believed in Hashem and He credited emunah to him as tzedakah (righteousness.)" --Bereshis/Genesis 15: 6
The Aw'dom (Humanity) Tradition Of Lent
There is no divine law from Elohim that commands mortals to practice Lent nor is it a Torah given law that carried into the New Testament. To be clear, Lent is a human created tradition that is practiced in the West. Meaning, you don't go to Hell if you don't observe or partake in Lent and you don't get a pass to go into Heaven if you do observe or partake in Lent. It's a nice tradition with meaning and purpose and here at Unaligned Church, our flock does observe and partake in Lent not for show, not for bonus points with Elohim or to show off in front of people. We do it because it's simply a good time to weaken the flesh, turn off the world's noise and focus on our relationship with Elohim.
Tradition 1: Prayer
One of the key factors in Lent is prayer. Prayer stands as one of the fundamental practices of Lent. It invites Christians to dedicate additional time to seek Elohim's presence. This can take many forms, including personal devotions, communal gatherings, or liturgical services. Regardless of the format, the goal remains the same: cultivating a deeper connection with Yahweh, Ruwah and Yeshua.
Tradition 2: Book Study
Reading Scripture during Lent enriches your prayer life and reflection. Consider focusing on passages that highlight themes of repentance and grace. For example, Lukas/Luke 15: 11-32, the Parable Of The Prodigal Son, beautifully illustrates Elohim's boundless mercy. Engaging with these texts not only deepens your understanding but opens your heart to Their will.
Tradition 3: Fasting: A Pathway To Self-Control
Fasting is another vital aspect of Lent, extending beyond the common practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays. It serves as an opportunity for self-discipline and spiritual reflection in various areas of life. For instance, in a 2021 survey by the American Psychological Association, 20% of respondents reported giving up social media during Lent to focus more on personal growth and spiritual practices.
The purpose of fasting is to weaken fleshly desires and create space for spiritual nourishment. This might involve giving up luxuries or distractions—like excessive television, food, junk food, alcohol, social media, sugar, etc. Such choices prompt Elohim's followers to refocus their energies on seeking Elohim. Fasting is not solely about giving up something to bonus points with Elohim, to show off your discipline to others or a means to "lose weight". Book fasting is not centered in health benefits as many advertise in aw'dom's world. Book fasting is about weaking your flesh, sacrificing something so you can make room for Elohim in their lives. This intentional pause allows believers to rely on divine strength and direction, realigning their focus on what truly matters.
Tradition 4:The Call To Expressing Ahavah/Almsgiving
Almsgiving represents the third pillar of Lent, reminding Christians to extend love and charity to the less fortunate. This season encourages acts of kindness, whether through direct monetary support, volunteering at local shelters, or donation drives for food banks. During Lent 2020, for example, the Catholic Charities USA reported a 30% increase in volunteer participation, demonstrating a tangible commitment to community support. Participating in almsgiving fosters a sense of community and reinforces the understanding that Lent is about more than personal sacrifice—it's about our shared humanity. It is essential to open oneself to needs within the community, fostering compassion and service as expressions of Fruits Of The Spirit (Galátai/Galatians 5: 22-23)
Tradition 5: Reflecting on Baptism & Renewal
Amid these practices, Lent invites believers to reflect on baptism's profound meaning. Baptism is a outward expression of spiritual circumcision that happens inside of the heart of a person and symbolizes dying to avaon and rising to new life in Christ, making it essential to grasp the purpose of Lent. As Christians journey through this season, they should revisit their baptismal vows unto Elohim and commitments to follow Christ faithfully.
This reflective process encourages true repentance and conversion. It serves as a reminder that Lent is about internal transformation, not merely external actions. Embracing this shift in heart and mind enhances the celebration of Easter and nurtures a deeper appreciation of the resurrection.
Tradition 6: The Spiritual Significance Of Sacrifice
Each of the Lenten practices—prayer, fasting and almsgiving—illustrates the overarching theme of sacrifice. Lent invites believers to commit themselves more fully to Elohim's, relinquishing personal desires and comforts. This sacrificial spirit contributes to personal growth and spiritual maturity.
Balancing worldly desires with spiritual goals can be challenging. Yet, through disciplines practiced during Lent, believers can cultivate resilience and a lasting closeness with Elohim. The sacrifices made reflect the ultimate sacrifice of Yeshua Christ, reminding us of His steadfast love for aw'dom.
Tradition 7: A Time For Transformation
The purpose of Lent is rich and multi-layered. It is a period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that encourages deep inner conversion, allowing Christians to more faithfully follow Jesus’ teachings. This season is not only about preparing for the joyous celebration of Easter but also about forging a stronger relationship with Elohim and understanding one's role within the community. As Christians engage in focused prayer, thoughtful fasting and generous giving, each aspect of Lent builds toward spiritual renewal. Embracing the transformative power of this sacred season can lead to lasting change and a heart aligned with Elohim’s will.
May this Lent be a meaningful and enriching time for all seeking to strengthen their faith and grow closer to the Elohim! Learn more about Lent here.
© Unaligned Church 2025
Comments