Preparing for Lent: Lessons from the Old Testament

​

A Season of Reflection Rooted in Ancient Traditions

As Christians around the world prepare to enter the solemn season of Lent, many look to the New Testament for guidance, focusing on Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). However, the Old Testament provides a profound model for preparing our hearts for this sacred time. Themes of fasting, repentance, sacrifice, and renewal run deeply throughout Scripture, offering timeless wisdom for Lent.

1. Fasting Like Moses: Seeking God in the Desert

Fasting has long been a sign of dependence on God and a means of drawing closer to Him. Moses fasted for 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Ten Commandments:

"Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he ate no bread and drank no water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments." (Exodus 34:28)

Lenten Preparation:

• Just as Moses fasted to prepare for divine revelation, Lent invites us to abstain from earthly distractions to hear God more clearly.

• Consider fasting from food, social media, or unnecessary luxuries to create space for prayer and reflection.

2. Repentance Like Nineveh: A Call to Change

When the prophet Jonah preached to the people of Nineveh, they responded with immediate repentance:

"The people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth—from the greatest of them to the least." (Jonah 3:5)

Their repentance was not just words but action—they turned away from sin and humbled themselves before God.

Lenten Preparation:

• Like Nineveh, we are called to examine our hearts and acknowledge where we need God's mercy.

• Consider Sacramental Confession or setting aside time to examine your conscience each day.

3. Testing Like Israel: Trusting in God’s Providence

The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, a period of testing and purification.

"Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands." (Deuteronomy 8:2)

Lenten Preparation:

• Lent is a time of spiritual testing—a journey where we learn to trust in God rather than our own strength.

• When faced with difficulties, respond with faith, remembering that God sustains His people.

4. Sacrifice Like Abraham: Offering Our Best to God

Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) is one of the greatest examples of faith and surrender. Though God provided a ram in place of Isaac, Abraham’s willingness to give up what was most dear to him foreshadowed Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.

Lenten Preparation:

• Lent calls us to sacrifice—not just in giving things up, but in offering our lives more fully to God.

• What can you surrender this Lent? Time? Comfort? A habit that pulls you away from holiness?

5. Renewal Like David: A Heart After God

King David, despite his sins, was known for his deep repentance and desire for God. His prayer in Psalm 51 is a perfect guide for Lent:

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)

Lenten Preparation:

• Approach Lent not as a time of mere obligation but as a season of renewal.

• Pray daily for a new heart, a renewed faith, and a deeper love for God.

Conclusion: A Journey of Transformation

The Old Testament offers a powerful model for Lent—a time of fasting, repentance, testing, sacrifice, and renewal. As we prepare to walk this journey, let us embrace the wisdom of those who came before us and seek God with all our hearts.

How will you prepare for Lent this year?