As the liturgical season of Lent progresses into its first full week, many Christians are encouraged to reevaluate their spiritual practices. This period, described by Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church in Auburn, Washington, serves as a special time for believers to enhance their connection with God. Lent began on Ash Wednesday and marks a season of preparation leading up to Easter Sunday, the day Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The purpose of this season is to foster a deeper relationship with God through introspection, prayer, and repentance.
Lent encompasses a total of 40 days—excluding Sundays—and culminates with the Sacred Paschal Triduum, which begins on Holy Thursday. This time is recognized for its significance in the Christian calendar as a moment for believers to “make wise shifts” in their routine and intentionally seek a closer relationship with God. According to Pastor Bradley, approaching Jesus during Lent means doing so with a heart full of humility, authenticity, and gratitude. He expresses the core belief that Jesus’ sacrifice for sin and His subsequent resurrection offer believers freedom from shame and despair, stating that those who follow Him are granted peace and grace.
Ash Wednesday, the kickoff to the Lenten observance, symbolizes a collective call to return to God, urging individuals to refocus their affection and devotion toward their faith. During this period, Christians are encouraged to reflect on their sins and embrace the grace offered through Christ’s sacrifice. Bradley emphasizes that such a relationship with God is both personal and eternal. He urges believers to seek the kingdom of God and remain closely connected with Jesus, who exemplifies divine love through His crucifixion.
In addition to traditional practices of prayer and reflection, some Christians are turning to technology to enhance their spiritual journey during Lent. The Hallow prayer app, which caters to this growing trend, facilitates deeper connection through guided prayers and meditations. CEO Alex Jones, representative of the app that launched in 2018 and is based in Chicago, shared with Fox News Digital the significance of their Lent prayer challenge this year. He emphasized the app’s capability to personalize users’ prayer experiences, appealing to spiritual seekers everywhere.
This year, notable public figure and actor Chris Pratt has partnered with Hallow to share his own faith journey, adding a celebrity element to the initiative. The overarching theme of Hallow’s Lent challenge revolves around the concept of “The Way,” drawing inspiration from John 14:6 and the influential writings of St. Josemaría Escrívá. Jones reflected on the profound impact of St. Josemaría’s teachings, emphasizing the importance of serving others, making sacrifices, and expressing love in everyday life through prayer.
Jones, recognizing a growing revival of faith in society, notes recent data indicating a rise in Bible sales and an increase in Christians in the United States compared to the previous year. This encouragement suggests that many individuals are either returning to their faith after a period of absence or exploring Christianity for the first time. He perceives a remarkable trend where individuals, who may have felt lost or detached, are reconnecting with their spiritual roots.
In summary, this season of Lent serves as a significant opportunity for believers to embrace a spiritually enriching experience. Whether through traditional practices or modern technology, individuals are invited to immerse themselves in the meaningful journey toward Easter Sunday. With leaders like Pastor Bradley urging intentional connection with God, and platforms like Hallow providing innovative ways to pray, the Lenten season is poised to be a transformative time for many. As we move through these forty days, the essence of seeking and nurturing our faith has perhaps never been more accessible and vital.
