Thursday 7th March Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Lent lasts for 40 days (not including Sundays) and ends the day before Easter Sunday, on Holy Saturday. Why is it called Lent? Lent is an old English word meaning 'lengthen'. Lent is observed in spring, when the days begin to get longer. The colour purple Purple is the symbolic colour used in some churches throughout Lent, for drapes and altar frontals. Purple is used for two reasons: firstly because it is associated with mourning and so anticipates the pain and suffering of the crucifixion, and secondly because purple is the colour associated with royalty, and celebrates Christ's resurrection and sovereignty.

Christians believe that the purpose of fasting  is to take a person’s focus away from the things of the world and onto God. Fasting and prayer is believed to be a way a person gains a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God. Fasting should never be used in order for a person to boast about their superior spirituality but it should be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude. ‘When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.’

Let us pray Lord, I am not always eager to do your will. I would often much rather do my own will. Please be with me on this Lenten journey and help me to remember that your own spirit can guide me in the right direction. I know you receive what is in my heart. Let me be inspired by your words and by the actions of your son, Jesus. Guide me to make sacrifices this Lent in the spirit of self-denial and with greater attention to you and to those around me. Help me to believe that you will grant me this because of the sacrifice Jesus made for me. Amen