When most people think of Lent, they think of “giving up” something that brings them pleasure but isn’t necessarily good for them. So maybe giving up sugary deserts, soft drinks, video games, cutting back on television or social media or something along those lines. Lent can seem like a burdensome waiting game from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday when there isn’t a purpose connected to what is being “given up.”
Some people also refer to the act of giving something up as a “fast.” When prayer is coupled with a fast, it makes the fast more meaningful and also gives it a sense of purpose. In addition, the time spent in prayer brings a person into a deeper relationship with the Lord. Here are 5 ways to reset when Lent starts to feel like a burden instead of a blessing.
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1. Reflect on Why Lent Exists
1. Reflect on Why Lent Exists
Remember that Lent is typically associated with the 40 days that Jesus fasted before going into the wilderness. So, His time of fasting likely included prayer that He would be able to endure the tests He would face in the wilderness. It was time He spent preparing His heart, making His human flesh submit to the Holy Spirit, and putting Himself in a more sensitive position to the will of the Father. We can use Lent to do that, too, but we don’t have to abstain from all food and water for 40 days. In fact, it’s probably best for us as human beings not to be that extreme.
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2. Choose Your Fasting Wisely
2. Choose Your Fasting Wisely
What a person chooses to fast for Lent is certainly a matter of preference. But if Lent has become a burden, consider choosing something you could easily substitute with a time of prayer. For example, if you choose to give up one hour of television or one hour of video games every day, then fill that time with prayer and perhaps also read a chapter from one of the Gospels if you feel like you can’t pray for a full hour. Before you begin reading, ask the Lord to speak to your heart, and then journal what He shows you. When you get to the end of whatever Gospel you choose, move into the book of Acts.
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3. Remember God Gives You Strength to Resist Satan's Temptations
3. Remember God Gives You Strength to Resist Satan's Temptations
The enemy definitely doesn’t like it when we fast and pray because it brings us closer to God. It’s amazing how you can choose to give up donuts for Lent, and the very next day, some unsuspecting soul brings in donuts for the entire office. You might question what motivated that person to do that. And at the same time, your body screams out, “I want a donut, and I want it now!” Consider asking the Lord to give you the strength to walk away, and if possible, maybe use it as a sort of call to prayer for a minute or two where no one else is around. In the worst-case scenario, a restroom stall will get you away from people. And in a case like that, God definitely understands and has mercy regarding the setting.
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4. Think about Your Prayer Focus
4. Think about Your Prayer Focus
Certainly, wanting a deeper relationship with the Lord is a great prayer focus. Other possibilities might be:
- A desire to be more sensitive to His will
- Wanting His guidance in our life (for both small and big decisions)
- As preparation for any ministry we may be doing
- For friends and relatives to come into a personal relationship with Him
- Peace in the midst of tumultuous circumstances
- Restoration of relationships
- Healing (generally on behalf of someone else)
- Provision
The above isn’t an exhaustive list. You may very well have a prayer focus that isn’t listed, and that’s perfectly fine.
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5. Surround Yourself with Reminders of His Love and Sacrifice
5. Surround Yourself with Reminders of His Love and Sacrifice
Mel Gibson made a movie back in 2004 called The Passion of the Christ. Consider making some time to watch this one during the Lenten season as a way to remind yourself, all over again, of His love and sacrifices for you and maybe rekindle some renewed gratitude for the gift of salvation.
The old Godspell movie is dated in appearance, but the message is still very relevant for today. Basically, it’s an adaptation of the Gospel of Matthew made into a musical. It can be purchased on Amazon.
Another great movie is C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe from the Chronicles of Narnia series. It’s in both book form and in video form.
An interesting website to check out, which has several Gospel stories available to watch or stream is the Jesus Film website.
Lamplighter Theater also has an Easter series, which is on both MP3 or video. They’re a Christian ministry that creates mostly books and very quality audio dramas.
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Originally published February 11, 2025.
