Together as One: A Lent DevotionalSample

Day 1: Together as one

What does Lent mean to you? Perhaps you’re giving something up – chocolate, TV, social media… or perhaps you’re starting something new, a new Bible plan, or a new daily routine.

Traditionally, Lent is a time set aside for reflection, repentance and preparation. It can be a time to enjoy closeness with God. Seek his guidance and wisdom. Choose healthy daily practices. Give up the not-so-healthy ones.

The fruit of fasting

For centuries, Christians have fasted from food during Lent to help them surrender to God once again and remember Jesus fasting for forty days and nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).

Fasting is a wonderful spiritual discipline, and in today's passage, God highlights one of the purposes of fasting: to help us love and care for people facing poverty and injustice.

At Tearfund, we’re amazed every day by the communities and local churches we work with, who are coming together to do just what Isaiah describes: to ‘loose the chains of injustice’ and ‘set the oppressed free’. In the coming weeks, you’ll read stories of how God is moving powerfully through the church across the world. This Lent, let’s ask God to use us to pray and act on behalf of people living in poverty and build unity with, and love, those around us.

Whatever you’re doing this Lent, our prayer for you as you read these devotionals is that you will know just how much God loves you. So much that he gave his one and only son to bring you into a relationship with him, and with a family of believers across the globe. Wherever you are, thank you for praying with us this Lent, together as one.

Reflect

• What are your hopes for Lent this year? Is there anything you want to give up, or any healthy practices you’d like to start?
• What would it look like for you to practise the kind of fasting described in this passage – one that brings freedom to others?
• Is there anything you would like God to speak to you about during Lent?

Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the precious time to spend with you this Lent. As I look forward to remembering Jesus’ death and celebrating his resurrection at Easter, help me to surrender my heart and focus my mind on you.

Show me how I can help to bring justice and freedom to people facing poverty around the world and close to home, and to share what I have with people in need.

In Jesus’ name, amen.