Lent – 40 Days Fasting

Lent (Latin: Quadragesima, meaning "Fortieth") is a solemn Christian observance in the liturgical year, serving as a period of preparation for Easter. It consists of 40 days of fasting, starting on Ash Wednesday. This period echoes the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation by Satan, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, before beginning His public ministry.

Lent is traditionally observed in Catholic, Lutheran, Moravian, Anglican, United Protestant, and Orthodox Christian traditions, among others. Additionally, several Anabaptist, Baptist, Methodist, Reformed (including certain Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist churches), and nondenominational Christian churches also observe Lent, although practices may vary among these traditions.

The purpose of Lent is to foster spiritual reflection, repentance, and self-discipline. During this time, Christians often engage in fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, seeking to deepen their relationship with God and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.