Jesus spent 40 days in the desert fasting and in prayer before His ministry.  We have 40 days in Lent, starting on Ash Wednesday till Holy Thursday – a time of spiritual renewal, a time to reflect on God, His goodness, His greatness, and His unconditional love for man.

We make active efforts to remove the distractions that are in the way of coming closer to the Lord.  We earnestly put into practice disciplines that draw us closer to God through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. 

No matter what you plan to do this Lent, the most important thing is to depend on God, His love, in prayer and draw His strength to help you to follow through and persevere in your lenten practices. Maybe you plan to dedicate more time to prayer, or perhaps reduce the time spent on technology or be more vigilant and watchful about what you hear and speak – do everything in love for God.

In prayer ask the Lord for help to draw your heart closer to His Heart. 

These practices over time will slowly bring about a change inside of us. Remember to ask God for His grace. Even if you miss any of the practices don’t stop, pick up where you left. Now if your situation changes during the course from what you had planned earlier, trust that God is always leading you, rest in His love and preserve in prayer (conversation with God). 

When we persevere in prayer not just in lent but always, overtime we can see several graces. Some experience a desire to pray more, some see a growth in patience or self control, some find it easier to forgive those who hurt them, we become compassionate, kind and mindful of the words we speak. Try and continue your practices even after Lent – remember our goal is to draw closer and stay close to God always. 

Pray that all our practices lead us to love God more, to know God more and seek His truth, draw closer to God, follow Him faithfully,  serve and fulfill His Holy will in our life in all things and at all times. 

Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.

Wisdom 6:19 and incorruptibility makes one close to God

James 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds.

Frequent the sacraments of confession, Eucharist and visit the Blessed Sacrament in Lent and experience the love of God for you.