Lent: An Invitation, Not an Obligation

I’ve never observed Lent before. In fact, the only people I knew who did weren’t Christians—they were friends and colleagues from Catholic backgrounds who would give something up each year, but when I asked why, they weren’t sure. It felt more like a New Year’s resolution than anything deeply spiritual.

But Lent isn’t supposed to be just another religious tradition. It’s not about ticking a box or proving anything to anyone. It’s an opportunity to create space for God. And that’s why I want to invite us to approach it differently this year.

What is Lent, Anyway?

Lent is a 40-day season leading up to Easter, traditionally marked by prayer, fasting, repentance, and generosity. It starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.

The idea of 40 days comes from several key moments in the Bible:

• Jesus fasting in the wilderness before beginning His ministry Matthew 4:1-11

• Moses spending 40 days on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments Deuteronomy 9:9-10

• Elijah’s 40-day journey to Mount Horeb 1 Kings 19:8

• The Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years Numbers 14:33-34
  

What’s Shrove Tuesday? (AKA Pancake Day!)

Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent begins, and for most of us in the UK, it’s basically just an excuse to eat pancakes. But originally, it was about using up rich foods like eggs, milk, and sugar before fasting started. The word ‘shrove’ comes from an old English term meaning to confess sins, since Lent was traditionally a time to get right with God.

So, if you needed a theological excuse to eat pancakes—there you go! Find out how to make the best pancakes here

What is Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday kicks off Lent, and in some churches, people receive ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of repentance—a reminder that life is short and we need God Genesis 3:19: For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return

So, How Should We Observe Lent?

Instead of just giving something up because it’s tradition, what if we actually used this time to grow closer to God?

Here are a few simple ways to do that:

• Repentance – Take time to reflect on where you need to re-align with God.

• Fasting – Give up something that creates space for God in your life.

• Prayer & Scripture – Be intentional about spending more time with God.

• Generosity – Find ways to bless others—whether through giving, serving, or encouragement.

What Could You Give Up for Lent?

If you want to take part in Lent, think about what might be distracting you from God or what could help shift your focus. Here are some ideas:

• Social Media & TV – Less screen time, more time with God.

• Sweets & Alcohol – A simple way to practise self-discipline.

• Complaining & Gossip – Use words to build up, not tear down.

• Online Shopping & Clutter – Live more simply and focus on gratitude.

• Being Late & Overscheduling – Create margin for God in your day.

What I’m Giving Up for Lent

This year, I’m making some intentional choices for Lent.

• I’m giving up watching TV, Netflix, and YouTube. But instead of simply cutting out entertainment, I’m replacing it with something better:

  • Watching all five seasons of The Chosen, a powerful retelling of Jesus’ life.

  • Spending more time with God and my family, rather than passively consuming media.

• I’m also giving up sugar—because, honestly, I’m addicted. Every time I crave something sweet, I want to redirect that longing towards God and lean on Him instead of an unhealthy habit.

I know these won’t be easy, but that’s the point. Fasting is meant to challenge us and remind us where our true source of strength comes from.

I’m sharing this not to make a big deal of what I’m giving up, but simply as an encouragement and example. My hope is that by sharing my own experience, it might inspire you to think about how you could use Lent as an opportunity to draw closer to God in a meaningful way.

Keep It Between You and God

Now, don’t make a big deal about what you’re fasting from—no need to announce it on social media or drop it into every conversation. But at the same time, don’t be overly secretive. If someone invites you to the cinema and you’ve decided to give up films for Lent, just be honest and let them know. The point isn’t to hide what you’re doing; it’s just not about showing off either.

A Personal Challenge

If you come from a Catholic background and worry that this might feel like religious duty rather than relationship, please don’t feel pressured. But if you’re up for it, I think this could be a powerful way to press deeper into God—not as a rule, but as a way to seek Him more intentionally.

Lent isn’t about obligation. It’s an invitation to grow closer to Jesus.

So, what do you think? Will you give something up this Lent? More importantly—what will you replace it with?