What is Lent?
Lent is the 40-day season of fasting and prayer leading to Easter. The word “Lent” comes from the Old English “lencten,” referring to Spring and the “lengthening” of days that occurs at this time of year. Why 40 days? Because that’s how long our Lord fasted and prayed in the wilderness after his baptism. During this season, our worship adopts a uniquely reflective tone.
Lent is a sacred invitation to slow down, reflect, and make space for God. It is not about striving for perfection or proving our devotion. Rather, it is about coming as we are—flawed, weary, hopeful—and allowing God to meet us on the road.
Like the ancient pilgrims who walked to Jerusalem, we embark on a journey that is both inward and outward. We set down burdens. We take up new disciplines. We press forward, not alone, but together, knowing that at the end of this road, resurrection awaits.
This guide is more than just a schedule of events. It is a companion for the journey—filled with teachings, practices, and invitations to deepen your walk with Jesus this Lent. Whether you fast, pray, study, or serve, know this: God is already walking beside you.
We invite you to take this journey with intention, with courage, and with hope. May this Lent be a season of transformation and grace. Download our Lenten Guide below for more information and guidance.
A Lenten Pilgrimage: Walking with Jesus 2025
We invite you to download our Lenten Guide by clicking on the image above. Inside we hope you will find ways to engage with prayer and penitence during this season. It is a pilgrimage with many possible stops along the way. A few are listed below.
- WORSHIP: During this season, our worship adopts a uniquely reflective and penitential tone. In place of our typically festive approach to worship, these changes allow us to experience a different side of the Christian life as we journey with Christ to the cross, the grave, and ultimately to resurrection. For other changes you will see and hear, check out this article from Fr. Lonnie.
- PRAY: Lent is a season to devote yourself to prayer. Whether it is following the Daily Office in the Book of Common Prayer, praying for your Lenten Prayer Partner, or simply sitting in reverent silence, set aside time every day this season to pray. Try a different place to pray than usual, like Eve’s Garden or other spaces around the church. For your convenience, there’s even an online version (written or audio format) of The Daily Office.
- DEVOTIONALS: Establish a set time during Lent to read and then sit in silence or prayer. Find Episcopal Relief & Development’s Lenten Meditation Guide online.
- FAST: Fasting is a spiritual discipline that many have practiced throughout the millennia. “Fasting was part and parcel of a communal call on God to act when the odds seemed overwhelming. Fasting was not merely a rite used to ask for forgiveness but a plea to God to help those who couldn’t help themselves.” The Rev. Canon Dana Colley Corsello. If you have health issues, please consult a doctor before fasting.
- RECONCILE: This is a season to stop for self-examination and introspection. It is a time to nourish the yearning to come closer to God. This practice can lead to a need for penitence. The Episcopal Church offers the sacramental rite called Reconciliation of a Penitent, the practice of 1:1 personal confession with a priest. You can read about this in the Book of Common Prayer, p. 861. If you feel the need for personal confession, please consult with our clergy.
- ENGAGE: As we clear our hearts and minds of focusing on ourselves and grow closer to God, we remember those in our community who are in need. Consider giving of yourself to a local non-profit or helping in a new area at St.John’s. Be the hands and feet of Christ for others.
- MAKE SPACE: The tradition of self-denial during Lent is a way to say “no” to what we want and say “yes” to the will of God. The purpose of this self-denial isn’t misery for misery’s sake. It’s for the sake of clearing space for prayer and making our hearts more in tune to the suffering of Christ. People often give up favorite foods, drinks, or bad habits. When you give something up on your Lenten pilgrimage, with what do you fill that space?
- ATTEND COMPLINE: Join us for our weekly Sung Compline service, on Sundays at 7:30 PM. This ancient monastic service is held in the candlelit church, led by clergy and the St. John’s Compline Choir.
Lenten Events
“MEETING GOD IN MARK: REFLECTIONS FOR THE SEASON OF LENT”: FRIDAY BOOK STUDY
JOIN WEEKLY BY ZOOM | BEGINS MARCH 7
Meets Fridays at 12 PM on Zoom. During Lent, we’ll journey through Lent guided by Rowan Williams. No registration is required.
“Before his presence with a song”: An Exploration of Lenten Hymns
SUNDAYS, STARTING MARCH 9 | 11:30 AM | CARTER CHAPEL
Join us as we explore the theological depth of Lenten hymnody, led by Marissa Hall. Discover the meaning behind the hymns we sing and how they shape our Lenten journey.
LENTEN PRAYER BEADS WORKSHOP
MARCH 15 | 10 AM
Hosted by the Front Porch and led by Marcy Muldrow Sanders, this workshop will introduce the ancient tradition of prayer beads as a tool for contemplative prayer. Participants will make their own set of prayer beads to use throughout Lent. Register online.
LENTEN SERVICE OF COMFORT & HEALING: FEAST OF ANNUNCIATION
MARCH 26 | 12:10 PM
Lent can be a heavy season, but even in sorrow, light breaks through. This special 12:10 PM Wednesday Comfort & Healing Service, tied to the Feast of the Annunciation, invites us to bring our burdens before God in prayer, music, and anointing. The angel’s words to Mary—“Do not be afraid”—offer us the same promise of hope and renewal.
