The Desert Lent

Lent is meant to be a time set apart – a sacred season to cultivate a deeper union with Christ. It can be described as a desert place, removed from the normal comforts of life, a place where we encounter the Lord in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

It is in this place, in this relationship with Him, that our prayers become most effective. And for that union to happen, I find that fasting off sugar, flour, and alcohol while learning to pray for a spiritual purpose makes all the difference in creating a healthy and holy Lent. 

Lent isn’t meant to look like January or February. We are called to shake ourselves awake – to step away from routine, examine the vices that hold us back, and offer a real sacrifice. It is supposed to be a desert experience, a time of discipline and reawakening to Spiritual Fasting.

What is Spiritual Fasting?

Spiritual Fasting is challenging but powerful. It is simply delaying food or alcohol for a time, for a spiritual purpose, and ultimately drawing closer to Jesus in mind and body. It is a body-and-soul experience – a chance to get hungry with Jesus, for Jesus. 

We all know that prayer, fasting, and giving are the three spiritual pillars of Lent. The Church urges us during these 40 days to reflect, give more than usual, and make sacrifices. But of the three pillars, fasting is the one most neglected. 

Maybe it’s because we don’t understand fasting, or maybe we don’t want to feel discomfort. But Lent without fasting is missing something essential. 

The Secret to Fasting: It’s Never About What You Give Up – It’s About What You Gain

Fasting isn’t about what you lose – it’s about what you gain. It’s about what Christ fills you with when you empty yourself of the comforts of this world. When you strip away the distractions, you finally have space for Him. 

I love this quote from St. Maximus of Turin on going into the desert with Jesus: 

“The very body of the Christian is in a sense a desert when it is not filled with food and cheered with drink. Then Christ the Lord inhabits the desert of our body … where we are safe and secure from the thoughts of this world, he takes it for his own habitation, so that from then on we might see heaven and earth within ourselves.” 

There is nothing like a desert Lent. One that is felt. One that is hungry. One that is focused on Spiritual Fasting. I call it Delay and Pray® – delaying sugar, flour, and alcohol to Sundays, and praying instead. Sounds daunting, but it is not when it’s done with God and a plan.

Come join us this Lent! The Delay and Pray® Group Coaching Experience may just be the kickstart to the healthiest and holiest year for you yet!