The purpose of Lent is to open your heart more to the ways of God and grow closer to Jesus. By intentionally spending time with Him every day reading scripture and praying, you have an opportunity to connect with Him in new ways. This allows you to honestly examine your life in light of God’s Word and to get a fresh start in making new changes during your Lenten spiritual journey.

It is modeled after Jesus’ 40-day fast. After Jesus was baptized, he went away to the Judean desert to fast and pray. During these 40 days in the desert, Jesus was being tempted by Satan and was preparing Himself for His public ministry. If you count the days, there are more than 40 days of Lent at Newbreak Church, but Sundays are not included in the overall count as each one is seen as a “mini-Easter” celebrating Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Accordingly, our devotional will be provided for you six days per week and Sundays are celebrations in gatherings at your Newbreak Church campus.

Make a commitment to read the Lenten devotional for 40 days.

• The devotional will take you about 10 minutes each day. You will be given a short scripture to read, a reflection on the verses, and an opportunity to respond to God with what you’ve read. It’s best to find a consistent time to read the devotional -- Maybe while you are eating breakfast, when you first get up, while the kids are napping or before you go to bed at night.
• Attend church on the six Sundays during Lent (or watch Newbreak Church on YouTube Live if you are out of town). If you miss a day, just pick it up the next day.
• Mark on your calendar the time you will have devotions each day.
• Subscribe to Newbreak's Facebook and Instagram accounts to have a daily reminder of the devotional in your social media feed.

Fasting is a common practice during Lent. When you fast something (“fasting” means to give something up that is part of your normal routine), it helps you to focus more on God and hear His voice. Some people give up watching TV, playing video games, viewing social media, drinking alcohol, eating sweets, meat, coffee or foregoing one meal a day. The choice is up to you. If you are fasting certain foods and have any medical issues, please consult your health expert first.

• Pray and ask God to help you identify one thing that you could fast during the Lenten season. The goal isn't to pick your worst habit, but choose something that’s safe and achievable for you.
• You can start an examination of your life today by praying Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”