Lent is the season of preparation in the weeks leading up to Easter when believers reflect on Jesus Christ—his life, death, burial, and resurrection. Such preparation often includes days of fasting from certain foods, television, and/or social media. During this time, many Christians also choose to participate in a Daniel Fast.
The purpose of Lent is prepare the way for Easter Sunday, a day that’s all about rejoicing in the new life we’ve been given in Christ. But how can we celebrate to the fullest when men and women around us are still dying in their sin?
The truth is, we can’t.
If you’re like me, you don’t think about eternity enough. You don’t dwell on the fact that your brother or sister or spouse or child is headed to Hell. But you need to think about it. And so do I.
Hell is real place. It’s not a figment of anyone’s imagination. It’s also not a joke or a party. Heaven is also a real place. People who have accepted God’s gift of salvation will be in God’s presence forever when they die. Those who haven’t, won’t. They will spend eternity separated from God and anything good. Instead of unending joy, they’ll endure utter darkness and misery, being tormented in ways we can’t even comprehend.
Lent is a perfect opportunity to pray others into the kingdom of God. Eternity is at stake here! The need is urgent. People are desperate to know the hope we have in Christ. Lent is also a great time to intercede for other believers, who need wisdom, strength, and perseverance as they follow the Lord.
Will you fast and pray during the Lenten season, which is Wednesday, February 14, to Thursday, March 29?
Following are a few ways you can participate:
- Do a Daniel Fast (my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, provides all you need to complete the fast successfully).
- Use Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for Your Daniel Fast to guide your Bible study and prayer time.
- Fast one day a week during Lent.
- Do a combination of fasts (water, juice, Daniel).
The most important thing you can do during Lent is to pray. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16B NLT). Your prayers make a difference and will change the history of people you know!
As we humble ourselves and seek the Lord during Lent, we will see God pour out His favor in miraculous ways!
I’m doing the Daniel fast for the first time. Thank you for your posts on this site. I feel pressed to pray for America, our leadership, our president and cabinet, for Israel. God has good things in store for our country and His people. Pray that the church would intercede for a quickening of the Holy Spirit in the Church and for evangelism!
Hi, Tessa! I’m so glad to hear you’re seeking the Lord through the Daniel Fast. You can benefit from many helpful resources on my website. One in particular that might encourage you is the 21 daily videos from the January 2018 Online Daniel Fast. Perhaps they will encourage you. Thanks for praying! H=
I would like to do a Daniel’s Fast this Lent and pray for a breakthrough in my own and my family and those in my church.
That’s wonderful! I’m glad to hear it. May the Lord work miracles in your church and family as you seek Him!