City On A Hill

The History of Lent

The word Lent is English and comes from a root meaning “lengthening” as in the lengthening of days that occurs every spring. Lent was previously the formal name of the month we now know as March. The 40 day period of fasting and prayer preceding Easter typically happened in March or Lent.

Historical references to the season of Lent are mentioned by the church father Ireneaus as early as the second century. The Council of Nicea (325 AD) conclusions refer to the 40 days of Lent. By the end of the fourth century, it is clear that Lent was observed throughout the church. The season was a time of personal preparation for the celebration of the Resurrection and was 40 days long to mirror Jesus’ period of preparation for public ministry in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; and Luke 4:1-13). The 40 day period begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Resurrection Sunday, excluding Sundays in between since they are “mini-Easters” celebrating the resurrection. Lent was characterized by the activities of fasting, prayer and giving gifts to the poor.

Suggestions for Participation

The foundation of Lent is prayer and fasting in the spirit of repentance. At City on a Hill, we will be gathering for prayer each Friday during Lent from noon until 1PM beginning February 15 in the Lobo Theater. You are invited to fast prior to this meeting and then join us as we humbly repent of our sins together and seek transformation through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Some enjoy giving up favorite foods, beverages or leisure activities during Lent. Examples include abstaining from coffee or giving up television. At City on a Hill, we suggest exchanging something of lesser value for something of greater value. For instance, take the money you spend on the coffee you are giving up and give it to the poor. Or, invest the time you spend watching television in the evening in a spiritual discipline such as bible reading or prayer.

We invite you to join us this Lent as we acknowledge the sin in our lives that keeps us from enjoying God to the fullest and repent through the gospel of Jesus as we prepare to celebrate His resurrection.