“’Even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and
weeping and mourning.’” ~ Joel 2:12

Growing up, I knew little about the forty days before Easter, referred to as Lent. The church my father pastored didn’t observe the six weeks of Lent the way Lutherans, United Methodists, Catholics and other mainline churches did back in those days. I do remember nearly every Good Friday afternoon for many years,
kneeling in prayer with my mother and sister at 3 o’clock, my heart so tender toward the Lord and what He suffered that long-ago day on Mt. Calvary.

In college, however, I learned more about the significance of Lent: The 3 Rs — Reflection, Repentance and Reconciliation. And, although I didn’t give up favorite foods or certain entertainment, etc., during Lent those years, I was more prayerful,especially for others in need.

Years later, though, I entered into a fast, which I remember as being spiritually beneficial, and truly inspiring for my relationship with the Savior.

More recently, I have attempted to pace my writing schedule better during the season of Lent; in other words, slow down, which, for this writer, is a challenge. But my Amish friends have unknowingly influenced me the most, by sharing some of their fasting practices to commemorate Good Friday—going without eating between
midnight and noon the next day, for example; sometimes longer. Naturally, this frees up more time for prayer and attention on the Lord and His ultimate death on the Cross. Fasting also instills a measure of restraint, a reminder that our bodies really can be sustained with less food or none at all, for short periods of time.

Amish ministerial brethren believe that the most fervent and sincere Christians are those “who practice self-denial and sacrifice their own selfish interests and desires in service to God.” (Quotation from Don Kraybill’s book, THE AMISH).

So, however you choose to prepare your heart for the coming of Easter—whether it’s reading the New Testament accounts of Christ’s agony and death, and His glorious resurrection, or fasting and praying—the most important thing, for me, is to fix the eyes of my heart on our Savior Jesus and His unfathomable gift of salvation
for all who believe and receive it.

Blessings, dear Friends!