Preparation

grandgirl 2014

"For forty days and nights [Jesus] fasted." (Mattthew 4:2)

Yesterday was the first day of lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and preparation prior to Easter, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although the term "lent" is not found in the Bible, the tradition follows the example of Christ's 40-day fast recorded in Matthew 4, Mark 1, and Luke 4.

Jesus gave a model for prayer called The Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.

Jesus modeled the best time to pray in Mark 1:35: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up . . . went off to a solitary place, where He prayed."

Jesus modeled the humble posture of prayer in Luke 22:41: "And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed."

Beloved, I encourage you to join believers around the world and me in 40 days of prayer, fasting, and preparation for Resurrection Sunday.