Lent is a season of sacrifice in the Christian calendar that prepares our hearts for the joy and delight of Easter. During this season, many Christians commit to fasting or abstaining from certain foods, gifts, or practices. Traditionally, the season lasts 40 days — a reference to Jesus’ own 40-day fast in the desert before his public ministry, in which he faced temptation (Matt. 4). At Soma, we’ll be spending this season focusing on the intersection of the cross and the Christian life.
Lenten Devotional
Many Christians spend the season of Advent (the weeks leading up to Christmas) working through devotional guides to prepare their hearts for the holy day that’s approaching. Similarly, we’d like to encourage our congregation to spend intentional time in prayer and reflection through the Lenten season as we approach Easter. One resource we’d recommend is Journey to the Cross by Will Walker and Kendall Haug. This is a gospel-centered and liturgical approach to a daily devotional, with each day including:
Call to Worship
Confession
Gospel reading
Prayer of thanksgiving
Devotional commentary
Reflection questions
Closing prayer
Special readings for Sundays
Suggestions for how to fast during Lent
You can find Journey to the Cross online, at most bookstores, or at your local library.
Corporate Fasting
We’re also encouraging our congregation to join us in a corporate fast. We’re committing to fast once a week from Ash Wednesday (February 26) until Easter (April 12). For more information about fasting, be sure to check out our sermon series on fasting and feasting. (We also have resources and ideas on that page for those who cannot fast from food for health reasons but would like to participate corporately during this season.