What Is Lent? A Season of Preparation, Repentance, and Renewal
Lent is a liturgical season in the Christian calendar that prepares believers to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter. It is a time of prayer, repentance, fasting, and reflection, traditionally marked by giving up certain luxuries or adding spiritual disciplines to draw closer to God.
The word “Lent” comes from an old English word meaning “spring,” referring not only to the season of the year but to the spiritual renewal that Christians seek during this time.
When Is Lent? (And 2026 Specifically)
Lent begins each year on Ash Wednesday and lasts until Holy Thursday (the evening before Good Friday), although many Christians observe it through Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.
In 2026
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Ash Wednesday: February 18, 2026
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Lent Ends: April 2, 2026 (Holy Thursday)
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Easter Sunday: April 5, 2026
The traditional observance of Lent lasts 40 days, not counting Sundays, symbolizing the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness.
Is Lent Only for Catholics or for All Christians?
Lent is most commonly associated with Catholic traditions, and the Roman Catholic Church has specific liturgical practices like Ash Wednesday services and formal fasting rules.
But Lent is not exclusively Catholic. Many Anglican/Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and other Protestant churches observe Lent in various ways—through fasting, prayer, scripture reading, and giving up things that distract from spiritual growth. Even in churches that don’t formally follow the liturgical calendar, individual Christians sometimes choose to observe a 40-day period of focus on Christ before Easter.
The key is the spiritual intent—not the denomination—and that intent mirrors biblical patterns of seeking God with intention and humility.
Is There Biblical Evidence for Lent?
You won’t find the word “Lent” in the Bible, but the theme of 40 days of preparation and repentance is deeply biblical.
Some significant 40-day periods in Scripture include:
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Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness before His ministry (Matthew 4:1–2).
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Moses fasting 40 days while receiving the Law (Exodus 34:28).
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Elijah’s 40-day journey to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8).
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Israel wandering in the wilderness for 40 years (Numbers 14:33).
These events have become powerful symbols for Christians: a period of testing, dependence on God, and spiritual preparation—just as Lent calls us to spiritually ready our hearts for Easter.
What Do Christians Do During Lent?
The core spiritual practices of Lent are:
1. Fasting & Self-Denial
Many Christians choose to give up foods or habits (like sweets, social media, or entertainment) to practice self-discipline and remind themselves of their dependence on God.
The Bible speaks frequently about fasting as an act of humility before God:
“When you fast…” (Matthew 6:16–18)
2. Prayer
Lent is a season of deeper prayer—seeking God’s heart, repentance, and guidance.
Jesus taught us to pray with sincerity, not showiness (Matthew 6:5–15).
3. Repentance
Lent invites us to confess our sin, turn back to God, and walk in renewed obedience.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17)
4. Almsgiving / Charity
Serving others and giving to those in need reflects the heart of Jesus:
“When you give to the needy…” (Matthew 6:2–4)
Why Do Christians Give Something Up for Lent?
Giving something up is not a requirement—especially for non-Catholic Christians—but it can be a meaningful way to evaluate attachments, examine habits, and focus more on God.
Here are 10 examples of things Christians might give up during Lent—and why:
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Sweets or desserts – to practice self-control and remind yourself of deeper nourishment in Christ.
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Social media – to create space for prayer and reading Scripture.
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Television or streaming entertainment – to reduce distraction and give attention to God and loved ones.
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Caffeine or coffee drinks – to practice reliance on God for energy and comfort.
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Complaining or negative speech – to cultivate gratitude and Christ-like words.
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Shopping for convenience items – to reflect on contentment and generosity.
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Video games – to redeem time for prayer, reading, and meaningful connection.
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Alcohol – to practice self-discipline and clarity in spiritual reflection.
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Snacking between meals – as a simple fast reminding of dependence on God.
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Over-scheduling or busyness – to intentionally make time for rest and listening to God.
These sacrifices don’t earn salvation—but they can train the heart and make room for deeper communion with Jesus.
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Biblical Verses to Reflect on During Lent
Here are Scripture passages that are especially meaningful in Lent:
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Matthew 4:1–2 – Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness.
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Joel 2:12–13 – “Return to Me with all your heart…”
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Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a pure heart, O God…”
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Luke 18:13 – “…God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
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Isaiah 58:6–7 – The fast God chooses: loosening bonds, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked.
These verses point us toward repentance, humility, dependence on God, and transformation—the heart of what Lent invites us to do.
Lent Is for All Christians Who Want to Walk with Jesus
Even if your church doesn’t formally observe Lent, you can still participate in its spiritual rhythm—a season of intentional preparation for Easter.
Lent invites us into:
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deeper prayer,
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honest reflection on our need for Christ,
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spiritual discipline,
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and a renewed focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalm 51:10)
Let Lent be a time not just of giving things up—but of drawing closer to the One who gave everything for us.
© 2026 Alissa Hill Kinnear. All rights reserved. Please do not copy, reproduce, or distribute any part of this blog without written permission. Sharing direct links is always welcome and appreciated!
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