LENT: Let Us Fast & Pray Together

Understanding Lent: A Biblical and Historical Perspective

Lent is a 40-day season in the Christian calendar leading up to Easter. This year it begins on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. While it is not a biblical mandate, Lent has been observed for centuries as a time of reflection, repentance, and preparation. The number 40 carries deep biblical significance—Moses fasted for 40 days on Mount Sinai, Elijah journeyed for 40 days to Mount Horeb, and Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry. Historically, the early church used this season as a time of prayer, fasting, and renewal, preparing believers to fully embrace the joy and power of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.

At Anchor Church, we have not traditionally observed Lent, but we recognize the value in setting aside intentional time to consecrate ourselves before God. Consecration means setting ourselves apart, denying our flesh, and surrendering fully to God so that we might experience renewal, revival, and a fresh move of the Spirit in our lives and church. We invite our church family into these 40 days of fasting, prayer, and repentance, pleading for a powerful outpouring of God’s presence and the transformation of our hearts and our community.

Why We Fast: Consecration Through Weakness

Fasting is an act of voluntary suffering in which we deny our flesh in order to stir our hunger for God. Our bodies crave food, pleasure, and comfort, but fasting reminds us of our deep need for Jesus. It exposes our weakness and teaches us that true strength comes only from Him (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). In fasting, we humble ourselves before God, confessing that nothing in this world satisfies but Him (Matthew 4:4).

Biblical fasting is not just giving up social media or distractions—it is abstaining from food (Daniel 10:3, Matthew 4:2). While some may do a full fast (water only), others may engage in a partial fast (one meal per day or restricted foods). Fasting weakens the flesh and strengthens the Spirit. It allows us to hear God clearly, bringing breakthrough, repentance, and revival (Joel 2:12, Acts 13:2).

Fasting is a way of crushing the flesh, reminding us that our sinful nature constantly wars against the Spirit (Romans 7:18-19). Through fasting, we declare: “My flesh does not rule me—Christ does.” It is not just about depriving ourselves of food, but about deepening our dependence on God, growing in holiness, and positioning ourselves for transformation.

The Power of Consecration

This season is not just about abstaining from food—it is about seeking God with everything in us. Consecration means setting ourselves apart to pursue holiness, repentance, and revival. The Scriptures show that when God's people humble themselves, fast, and pray, He moves in power (2 Chronicles 7:14, Acts 2:17). This is our cry: Lord, send revival!

In Revelation 5, John sees golden bowls of incense in heaven, which are the prayers of the saints. Our prayers are not wasted—they are collected before God, waiting for His perfect timing. If you pray and don’t feel like you “heard” from God, trust this: He has heard you, and your prayers are before Him.

This Lent, we cry out for God to renew our hearts, revive the church, move us on mission, and spark revival. May this be a season where we burn with passion for Jesus, repenting of idols and pursuing holiness. We do not simply go through the motions—we seek an awakening that only the Holy Spirit can bring.