Every year around late winter, I start noticing the same questions pop up: “What is Lent again?” “Am I supposed to give up chocolate?” “Does this still count if I already broke it on day three?”

I’ll be honest. For a long time, Lent felt a little confusing to me. I knew it had something to do with giving something up before Easter, but I wasn’t always sure why it mattered or how it was supposed to help my faith grow. Some years I skipped it altogether. Other years, I picked something random, powered through with willpower, and felt proud…but not necessarily closer to Jesus.

Over time, I’ve learned that Lent isn’t about proving how disciplined we are or surviving 40 days of minor suffering. It’s about creating intentional space to slow down, reflect, and re-center our hearts on Jesus as we prepare for Easter.

Whether you’ve observed Lent for years or you’re just starting to explore it, let’s talk about what Lent really is, why it matters, and how choosing what to give up (or add) can actually deepen your relationship with God instead of just checking a religious box.

What Is Lent? Understanding the 40-Day Season Before Easter

Lent is a season in the Christian calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days (not counting Sundays), symbolizing Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness before his death and resurrection.

When I first learned this, it reframed Lent for me. It’s not just a tradition the church repeats each year. It’s an invitation to walk with Jesus through reflection, repentance, and dependence on God before we celebrate Easter.

Lent has historically been marked by prayer, fasting, and self-examination. The goal isn’t shame or self-punishment, but honesty: acknowledging our need for grace and remembering what Jesus has done for us.

Why Practice Lent? 3 Reasons This Season Matters

Lent isn’t something Christians are required to observe in Scripture, but many believers choose to practice it because of how powerfully it points us back to the Gospel. Here are a few reasons Lent has become meaningful for many, including myself.

1. Lent Keeps the Cross at the Center

Giving something up can be uncomfortable, and that’s kind of the point. I’ve noticed that discomfort often exposes how quickly I turn to distractions, convenience, or control instead of trusting Jesus.

Lent gently pulls our focus back to the cross, reminding us that our faith is rooted in Jesus’ sacrifice, not our effort.

2. Lent Prepares Us for the Resurrection

It’s easy to rush straight to Easter celebration without sitting with the weight of what came before it. Lent slows us down and helps us fully appreciate the hope of the resurrection when Easter arrives.

I’ve found that when I actually take time to reflect during Lent, Easter doesn’t feel routine. It feels earned, meaningful, and deeply hopeful.

3. Lent Strengthens Dependence on God

When we intentionally step away from something familiar or comforting, we’re reminded that God (not our habits or routines) is our source of strength.

Lent has a way of revealing what I lean on most, and then inviting me to trust God in a deeper way.

What Should I Give Up for Lent? Ideas for Fasting and Spiritual Practices

This is usually the big question, and the honest answer is: there’s no one right thing.

Instead of choosing something just because it’s popular, I’ve learned it’s more helpful to ask:

• What tends to distract me from God?
• What habit crowds out prayer, rest, or presence?
• Where might God be inviting me to grow this season?

For some people, that might look like:

• Stepping back from social media
• Limiting streaming or screen time
• Giving up unnecessary spending
• Fasting from a certain food or drink

For others, it may be more heart-focused:

• Letting go of constant complaining
• Resisting comparison
• Saying no to busyness that leaves no margin for God

One thing that’s helped me is remembering that Lent isn’t only about giving something up. It can also be about adding something in. Daily Scripture reading, intentional prayer, journaling, or serving others can be powerful ways to engage this season.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s transformation.

How to Make Lent Meaningful: Practical Tips for Observing Lent

If you’re going to observe Lent, here are a few simple practices that can help it feel purposeful instead of performative.

Set an Intention

Rather than focusing only on the sacrifice, ask what you hope God might shape in you during this season. Writing that intention down has helped me stay grounded when motivation fades.

Stay Connected to Community

Lent isn’t meant to be a solo endurance challenge. Sharing the journey with friends, family, or a Life Group can bring encouragement and accountability.

Pair Giving Up with Giving To

Consider pairing your fast with generosity: time, prayer, service, or giving. Lent becomes richer when it overflows outward.

Keep Easter in View

Lent always leads somewhere. When the season feels challenging, I remind myself that it’s pointing toward resurrection: hope, joy, and new life.

Observing Lent at Mission Hills Church

At Mission Hills Church, we see Lent as an opportunity (not a requirement) to slow down and refocus our hearts on Jesus as we approach Easter.

If you’re looking for ways to engage this season, we’d love to walk alongside you through worship services, Life Groups, and Easter experiences designed to help you reflect, grow, and celebrate together.

✏️  AUTHOR CREDITS

This blog was written by the Mission Hills Church Communications Team.