Lent marks the solemn season of 40 days leading up to Easter. During Lent we join with believers down throughout the ages in intentionally focusing on repentance and our deep need for Jesus and his resurrecting power. Lent is not only a Catholic tradition, and it’s not just giving up sugar or meat. Lent is an intentional time of reflection, discerning the habits and practices we’ve fallen into that inadvertently pull us away from the redeeming work of God in our lives and our world. Each year, as part of this rhythm, we encourage some formative practices to help strip away that which entangles us and also fill ourselves with what is good and pure and lovely. We hope you will join us in these Spirit-led practices.

Fasting

Fasting is going without food for a set amount of time to awaken our body and soul to our deep hunger and need for God. It’s one of the most powerful — and neglected — of all of Jesus’ practices. In a culture that emboldens overconsumption and the satisfaction of our every desire, fasting is an indispensable practice to form us in contentment and teach us to constrain our desires.

How We’ll Practice

We encourage you to join your New Life family in fasting on Tuesdays each week. This can look different for everyone. The details and specifics are up to you and what works best for the health of your body and soul. We also encourage you to join us for prayer and worship at the Altar each Tuesday evening at 6pm in the Worship Center. Perhaps you will decide to break fast with others after this time of prayer. We also encourage you to consider fasting from some other habits that have been entangling you or leading you further away from the heart of God. Things to consider: social media, alcohol, destructive habits, forms of entertainment.

Refueling

As you make space in your life, what would it look like to fill yourself back up with things that are good and pure and lovely? There is so much darkness that you can consume…but let’s also remind ourselves that God is at work making all things new. 

How We’ll Practice