Lent is a time in the church calendar leading up to Easter during which we give up bad habits, preferences, things we really like but don’t need, etc. and replace them with ways to grow closer to God through self-reflection, greater Scripture reading and application, increased and/or focused prayer, and additional dedication to His calling on our lives through acts of His love towards others.
Throughout the 40 days of Lent, we will be going through a Bible reading and application challenge together! Join us as we prepare our hearts and minds for Easter and grow closer to Jesus and each other.
Leading up to Easter (March 2nd – April 16th) we are also showing love to our community by partnering with the Children’s Ministry and collecting food items and monetary donations for the Elmore County Food Pantry.
How to Participate
- Look at the How to Read image and read the chapter for each day (see below).
- Follow the Reading Plan for what to read each day (see below).
- Each day you participate, send a text to the Student Ministry phone number or create a post and tag @1335StudentMinistrty with your favorite verse(s) from that day, why those stood out, and how you will apply them.
Prizes
At the end of the 40 days of Lent, prizes will be given out.
- By participating for 15 days total, you will get 2 silicone bracelets (one for you and one for a friend) with an encouraging Bible verse!
- By participating for 30 days, you will get a “Don’t Waste Today” t-shirt (plus the 2 silicone bracelets from the 15 day total)!
- Each day you are a part of the challenge, and for each hangout you attend throughout Lent, you will get one entry in to a drawing for a couple of awesome prizes at our Easter Party!*
*(You and or your friend must be at the party to win the drawing unless Jamie is notified why you can’t be beforehand)
How to Read
When reading scripture, do the following with each passage:
- ASK God to connect with you in this moment. In prayer, start by slowing down, inviting God to help you understand what this passage means for your life. Clear your mind of all distractions and simply focus on what God wants to accomplish in this moment.
- READ the selected section of Scripture slowly. Read the whole passage at first, while taking notes of the words and phrases that stick out to you. Next, read it a second time — pausing at the parts that stick out to you.
- REFLECT on what grabs you. What connections do you see at this point in your life? How might God be speaking to you through these words? What do you think the people this was written to felt when hearing/reading this? What does it mean for your thoughts/actions/words today?RESPOND to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what resonated with you – individually and with your friends.