As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.”
- Mark 2:19-20
Lent is meant to be a time of preparation, modeled after the 40 days of fasting Jesus spent in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry. It’s a time to humbly lament our sin, survey the cross, and anticipate the explosive joy of Resurrection Sunday. From beginning to end, we celebrate the fact that, as disciples of Jesus, we have no condemnation hanging over us. But many will choose to fast from certain pleasures during Lent to clear distractions, to focus on Christ, and to increase our hunger for him. Giving up something and replacing it with prayer and worship gives way to a deeper relationship with God and helps us more deeply experience the joy of knowing him.
This Lenten season, please join us in prayer and fasting as we look forward to celebrating Christ’s victory over sin and death at the resurrection and, ultimately, to the consummation of his kingdom at the wedding supper of the Lamb.
Lent Weekly Prayer Card
WEEK SIX
This week our focus is sorrow.
And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Luke 22:45-46
Jesus, as we wait for you to come again, to see you face to face, remind us of the joy set before us. As we lament the brokenness in our own lives and the world around us, remind us of who you are and what you have promised.
Pray for those who need to meet Jesus – those whose sorrow is not yet countered with the hope of Christ.