Lent is a period that is usually observed by Christians annual, it starts on Ash Wednesday and last for 40 days. Lent is considered a time of spiritual renewal and purification that will ultimately lead believers closer to Christ.

Most individuals want Lent to be a spiritual experience, a truly life changing experience and so during this period you’ll find people giving something (usually meat) up for the period.

The aim is to approach Easter Sunday with hearts overflowing with love for God and a raised awareness and ardent appreciation of the great sacrifice Jesus made for His children.

During the Lenten season individuals mostly Christians know what is expected and required of them.

To indeed have a virtuous Lenten experience it’s necessary to know and follow the three pillars of Lent, prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Prayer

If you desire to get closer to God, it may be necessary to increase your prayer life after all the Bible says you should pray without ceasing.

Prayer is extremely important. Prayer bonds those that pray to God, it’s the easiest channel to reach out to the Lord.

The more you pray from the heart, the more you’ll want to pray, and the greater will be your ability to feel the presence of God. Remember your prayer is the holy covenant relationship between you and God.

There are many ways to add prayer to your daily routine. It’s up to you to evaluate how much you pray and decide what you can add. Consider finding time to pray with others at home or at church.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Fasting

Fasting is another way you can connect to God during the Lenten season. You fast when you abstain from mainly food (or something else) for a period of time in order to focus your thoughts on God. While fasting many people read the Bible, pray more and worship.

Fasting is a religious practice. It can be difficult for some individuals as it takes a lot of effort and dedication as you offer up to God.

So, if you want to spend more time with Jesus you might want to start fasting today!

And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth and ashes: (Daniel 9:3).

Almsgiving

Giving alms, Jesus teaches, means making the needs of others your own, especially the needy.

They are all around you the young and the old, the sick and the suffering, families, individuals and next-door neighbours.

Whatever you give should be something of yourselves, something that costs you and is done from the heart.

Giving alms might be difficult if you’re on a tight budget but if you should think about it there is someone that is less fortunate than you, help that person by giving them a helping hand today.

Whoever possesses the goods of this world, and sees his brother to be in need, and yet closes his heart to him: in what way does the love of God abide in him? (1 John 3:17).

Remember, you are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as you seek to follow Christ’s will more faithfully.

Keeping your eyes fixed on Christ will help you stay strong in your Lenten sacrifices and offerings. When you purposefully fast, give alms and pray with a heart that desires to know Jesus and serve Him, you’d have truly gone through a life-changing experience.