Three Reasons Why We Practice Lent at the Vineyard
If you are new to the practice of Lent or if you grew up in a religious tradition that practiced Lent and you have some bad associations with it, you may be wondering why we practice Lent at the Vineyard? There are many reasons why we do so, but here are 3 good ones:
It is old
The practice of marking off the 40 days (not counting Sundays) leading up to Easter as a time of repentance and spiritual preparation for the celebration of the resurrection is a tradition that dates all the way back to the early church in the third century. Ash Wednesday began in the 8th century, which predates the split between Protestants and Catholics by 8 centuries. So don’t think of Lent as Catholic thing, it is a Christian thing; and while we may practice it a bit differently than Catholics, Lutherans, or Methodists, we are all participating in something much older than any denominational differences.
It is helpful
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and a focus on repentance and looking within ourselves for anything unpleasing to God so that we might turn away from it. Many people practice fasting (giving up social media or sweets or some other indulgence) during Lent as a way of cleaning out our soul from its dependance of things other than God. Think of this as a form of spiritual spring cleaning, where we get down on our knees and scrub the junk out of ourselves. This is an incredibly helpful rhythm for a growing disciple of Jesus to engage in.
It is Biblical
There are no Bible verses that mention Lent or Ash Wednesday, but the underlying meaning of Lent is about repentance and fasting and inwardly searching ourselves to become more devoted to Jesus—which are all extremely biblical ideas. We see people doing this over a 40 day period many times in the Bible. Consider these examples:
I hope that you might consider participating in Lent with us this year. Join us for our Ash Wednesday Service (2-26-20) at 7pm in the Auditorium at the Desert Vineyard.
- Jesus spent 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing himself to begin his ministry.
- The people of Nineveh repented of their sins with 40 days of fasting.
- The Prophet Ezekiel lay on his right side for 40 days as a precursor to the siege and destruction of Jerusalem.
- The Prophet Elijah fasted and prayed for 40 days on Mount Horeb.
- Moses fasted 40 days and nights while on Mount Sinai.
I hope that you might consider participating in Lent with us this year. Join us for our Ash Wednesday Service (2-26-20) at 7pm in the Auditorium at the Desert Vineyard.
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4 Comments
I was forced to do it as a Catholic from Confirmation till I became a Born Again in 1960. This is the first time I have heard of this at the Vineyard.
This is what the bible says about fasting. I don't understand why the church follows old "tradition" that is religion and what Jesus came to get rid of. "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Matthew 6:16 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.6.16.KJV
I look forward to being with my church again this year to remember the sacrifices Jesus made for us, spring cleaning is a Gift and opportunity to show our commitment. Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust.....Amen! â¤
Lent is the most profound season of the church calendar. As Protestants we tend to give Good Friday a brief glance, then hastily and merrily celebrate resurrection.
We have been celebrating Lent for years in our three different Vineyards .. present one being in East Africa.
Brent oversaw us in our first plant which was in Sydney. He pastored us well, and imparted a real appreciation for the broader Body of Christ, which i see is a distinctive in Desert Vineyard to this day!