For many, the idea of Lent and spiritual disciplines can seem like empty religious rituals—outdated traditions that have little relevance to modern faith. Others may associate them strictly with Catholicism, wondering if they even belong in an evangelical Christian’s life. But the truth is, spiritual disciplines are a powerful way to engage with God—not out of obligation, but as an invitation to deeper intimacy, growth, and transformation.
Much like training in the gym strengthens the body, spiritual disciplines—such as fasting, prayer, and solitude—train the heart, mind, and soul. They help us develop endurance, build spiritual muscle, and align our lives with God’s presence and purpose.
Are Spiritual Disciplines Even Biblical?
Yes. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we see God’s people engaging in disciplines like fasting, prayer, meditation, and silence—not as rigid rules, but as means to grow in relationship with Him. These practices existed long before the Catholic Church was formally established and are deeply rooted in biblical teaching and tradition.
Here are just a few examples from Scripture:
- Fasting – Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:2). He also assumed His followers would fast:
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do…” (Matthew 6:16). Notice He says “when,” not “if”—fasting was an expectation, not an exception.
- Prayer – Jesus regularly withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16), and Paul instructed believers to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
- Meditation on Scripture – Joshua was commanded to meditate on God’s law day and night (Joshua 1:8), and the Psalms repeatedly call for meditating on God’s Word (Psalm 1:2).
- Solitude and Silence – Jesus modeled the practice of getting away to be alone with the Father (Mark 1:35).
- Sabbath Rest – Instituted at creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and reaffirmed by Jesus as a gift to humanity (Mark 2:27).
Lent: A Time to Refocus
Lent is a 40-day period leading up to Easter, mirroring Jesus’ time of fasting in the wilderness. While often associated with Catholicism, its roots go back to early Christian communities who prepared their hearts for Resurrection Sunday through fasting, prayer, and repentance. The purpose was not religious obligation but spiritual renewal.
Lent isn’t about earning favor with God—it’s about making space for Him. Whether through fasting from food, social media, or other distractions, the goal is to remove what dulls our spiritual hunger and replace it with a deeper pursuit of God.
Paul reminds us:
“Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
Spiritual Disciplines: An Invitation, Not a Rule
The danger of any religious practice—including prayer, fasting, or even church attendance—is turning it into a hollow obligation. Jesus repeatedly confronted empty ritualism in the religious leaders of His day (Matthew 23:27-28). God desires relationship, not just routine.
When approached with the right heart, spiritual disciplines become an invitation into a deeper experience of God’s presence. They are not legalistic demands but pathways to joy, clarity, and renewal.
So whether you observe Lent or simply seek to press into spiritual practices, remember:
- This isn’t about performance—it’s about connection.
- God isn’t keeping score—He’s inviting you to know Him more.
- You don’t have to do this alone—we grow best in community.
Will You Join Us?
As we begin this season leading to Easter, consider how you might intentionally draw closer to Jesus. Maybe that means fasting, committing to daily prayer, or setting aside time for silence and solitude.
What will you do to train your faith and grow in your walk with Christ?
Let’s journey together.