I SHALL NOT WANT Lent Series

Saint Augustine of Hippo said, “Lent is a season of repentance, a time to turn away from sin and embrace the mercy of God.” It is a centuries-old seasonal Christian period of solemn observance in the liturgical calendar marked by fasting and prayer in preparation for the celebration of Easter. Typically modeled after Jesus’ 40 day fast in preparation for ministry in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Lent provides Christians an annual season to engage in repentance, reflection and self denial in the pursuit of spiritual maturity. As Christians engage in these practices, the goal is a greater revelation of the mercy of God towards our sin and deeper embrace of the Christian’s call to holiness.

“Fasting purifies the soul. It lifts up the mind, and it brings the body into subjection to the spirit. It makes the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of desire, puts out the flames of lust and enkindles the rue light of chastity” — Saint Augustine

The type of fast historically practiced in Lent is called a “black fast”, where participants abstain from eating during daylight hours on Monday through Saturday and abstain completely from indulgences like alcohol and sugar. Sundays are exempt from fasting, as traditionally every Sunday on the calendar is a celebration day remembering the resurrection of Christ. While the severity of the fast itself can be modified to accommodate health concerns, the goal of all Lenten fasting is to provide a tangible method in our daily lives to forsake the desires of our flesh in pursuit of a deeper relationship with God.

I Shall Not Want is an invitation to elevate your faith and expectation as you prepare your heart for Easter by joining us for a black fast. The fast begins Monday, February 26 and ends on Saturday, March 30.

FAQs

What are the details of the Lenten fast?
What are daylight hours?

Daylight hours during late February and March fall between 6:50AM and 7:40PM, depending on the day.

From February 25 – March 9, daylight hours are between 6:50AM and 5:50PM with each morning becoming earlier by a few minutes and each evening a bit later by a few minutes.

Daylight Savings Time begins on March 10 and changes the daylight hours. March 10 – March 30 daylight hours are between 7:30AM and 7:10PM with each morning becoming earlier by a few minutes and each evening a bit later by a few minutes.
What if I'm unable to fully participate in the fast?

We believe that all who call Love Church their home are able to participate in the fast in some way. While the severity of the fast itself can be modified to accommodate health concerns, the goal of all Lenten fasting is to provide a tangible method in your daily life to forsake the desires of your flesh in pursuit of a deeper relationship with God.

We encourage you to prayerfully ask the Lord how you can be a part of this transformational season in the life of our church.