Intro to the Lent Devotional

Why Lent Matters

The Old Testament prophet, Joel, proclaimed to the people, “Yet even now, says the Lord, repent and return to me with all your heart” (Joel 2:13). The season of Lent creates an opportunity to do just that. It invites us to enter more intentionally into the disciplines of prayer, self-examination, and repentance. These disciplines—as significant as they are—are not ends in themselves. Rather, they can serve as the means by which we return to God and devote our whole lives to Him.

This Lent devotional is designed as a tool to help you be more attentive to what God is saying to you during this season and give you the courage to respond as God directs. People will often “give up something for Lent.” And abstaining from something that’s destructive or sinful or that’s just cluttering up life can be a meaningful discipline to help us reconnect with God. But regardless of what you eliminate, initiate the practice of entering into God’s presence daily through the use of this devotional guide (guide does not include Sundays). Meditate on the words and create some prayerful, quiet space for Jesus to speak. And as you unclutter your soul, may you become more finely attuned to what’s going on in your own life, spiritually, and to the ways God is inviting you to live in His presence and for His purpose.

Luke Erickson
Executive Pastor
Mountain Christian Church