Journey through Lent: preparation and reflection

What is Lent and why do people give something up during it? While there is no biblical mandate for observing Lent, there is a biblical basis for fasting and preparing your heart—core parts of the purpose of the Lenten season. This period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter is observed by penitence and fasting, a cherished tradition meant as a means of preparation for Easter. We invite you to explore its profound history and traditions with us at Empowerment Community Church.

The biblical roots of lent

While a period of preparation for Easter has probably been observed since the days of the early church, it was not formalized until the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE. Though there is no clear biblical mandate for Lent, the forty days resonate with Jesus' own fasting in the wilderness when he was tempted by Satan: "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry" (Matthew 4:1-2, NKJV). Fasting, however, is mentioned throughout the New Testament as a way to focus and pray. Matthew 6:16-18 gives instructions on how to fast, and Matthew 17:21 explains that fasting and prayer are required for certain tasks.

Preparing your heart: a time for reflection

Taking time to fast and pray allows us to deeply connect with our faith. One powerful example is preparing for Holy Communion: "Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup" (1 Corinthians 11:27-28). Lent is a season for self-examination, confession, and spiritual renewal, helping us to move forward with a clean conscience and prepare for the ultimate celebration of Christ's resurrection.

Join our lent journey at Empowerment Community Church

At Empowerment Community Church, we invite you to share this special season with us in New Albany, Indiana. As a vibrant community space, we embrace Lent through dedicated periods of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. This collective journey strengthens our faith and prepares our hearts to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Please come join us and experience the unique spirit of Lent within our community as we grow and succeed together.

Daily Scripture and Thoughts For LENT

  •  Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent – Exodus 32:12

  • Day 30:  GOD will give you supernatural wisdom and knowledge to know the truth about the enemy’s lies.  Let GOD show your eyes things they have never seen before.  Let the Holy Spirit reveal GOD’s mind to you.  Read 1 Corinthians 2

  • Station Four: Peter Denies Jesus

    Matthew 26:69-75, Luke 22:54-62

    This station recounts how Peter — a devoted disciple of Jesus — denied three times that he knew him. 

    As we consider this station and this action of Jesus, let us remember that, like Peter, we too can be imperfect Christians, yet we are given the opportunity to repent and step up in faith. Peter did just this, ultimately helping to found the church. We can do the same.