Jesus My Lord and My God   Ajit Leons Ministries

The Purpose of Abstinence, Alms-giving or Fasting

As we move into the Lenten Season, I want to share an insight with you on fasting and penance that you might undertake in the forty days to come, with millions of Christians across the world. The purpose of any abstinence, fasting, or alms-giving that we undertake must be accompanied with the act of constant prayer. If you forgo a meal, spend that same time in prayer. The purpose of this time is for us to draw closer to God through prayer and meditation.

In Truth, this is the real meaning of the 40 days of Lent, which mirrors our Lord Jesus Christ’s 40 days of fasting and prayer in the desert.Prayer is central and key to the Lenten season. Even in the Garden of Gethesamane, our Lord drew away from the apostles to spend time in prayer with our Heavenly Father. Whether it is abstinence, fasting or almsgiving, your Lenten practice will bear deep fruit when accompanied by prayer.

These days of Lent are precious, great days in which we are called to listen to that greater call of Christ. Have a blessed Lenten season this year. Praise God!