Why is Lent forty days?

The forty days recall the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4), and echo other forty-day and forty-year seasons of testing and preparation in Scripture. In the West, Sundays are not counted in the forty.

What do people give up for Lent?

Many Christians give up a food, a habit, or a comfort, or take on a discipline like extra prayer, Scripture reading, or generosity to others. The aim is not the sacrifice itself but turning the heart back toward God.

When does Lent begin?

In Western churches Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter. Orthodox Christians begin Great Lent on Clean Monday, so the two traditions start Lent on different days.

The Church Year

What Is Lent?

Lent is the forty-day season of repentance, prayer, and fasting that prepares the church for Easter. It recalls the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. Many Christians give something up or take on a discipline as a way of turning back to God. Western churches begin Lent on Ash Wednesday; Orthodox Christians begin Great Lent on Clean Monday, so the two seasons start on different days.

What Lent is

Lent is a season of preparation, roughly forty days (not counting Sundays in the Western reckoning) leading up to Easter. It is marked by repentance, prayer, self-examination, and often fasting or giving something up, along with giving to others. The forty days recall the time Jesus fasted in the wilderness before beginning his ministry. Western churches begin Lent on Ash Wednesday; Orthodox Christians begin Great Lent on Clean Monday and keep the fast somewhat differently. It is not meant as mere self-denial for its own sake, but as a clearing away of distractions to make room for God.

Turning back to God

“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.”

Matthew 4:1-2

“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful.”

Joel 2:13

Lent is a journey with a destination: it leads through Holy Week to the cross and out the other side to the empty tomb. Its self-denial is not the point; the risen Christ is.

Find a service near you

Lent is a season for coming home, and many begin at an Ash Wednesday service. You do not need to know anyone, dress a certain way, or have it all figured out. Use the live church finder to search real, welcoming churches near you, then reach out to one and ask about their service times. Whether you have been every week for fifty years or have never been at all, you are wanted exactly as you are.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Lent forty days?: The forty days recall the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4), and echo other forty-day and forty-year seasons of testing and preparation in Scripture. In the West, Sundays are not counted in the forty.
What do people give up for Lent?: Many Christians give up a food, a habit, or a comfort, or take on a discipline like extra prayer, Scripture reading, or generosity to others. The aim is not the sacrifice itself but turning the heart back toward God.
When does Lent begin?: In Western churches Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter. Orthodox Christians begin Great Lent on Clean Monday, so the two traditions start Lent on different days.

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Come and see

Behind every one of these days is a Person, not a performance. The living Christ is not an argument to be won but someone to be met, and he still draws near to everyone who comes to him with an open heart. You do not have to believe everything first. You are welcome to come with your questions, your grief, and your doubts, and simply see. The Gospel of John is a gentle place to begin, and it costs you nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.

Read the Gospel of John Come and See Ask for prayer

Jesus Christ is Lord.

Explore furtherWhat is Ash Wednesday?What is repentance?What is Holy Week?The season of Lent Find a church