The Meaning of Lent and How to Observe It with Heart

Lent has become one of the most grounding and meaningful seasons of my year.

As an Armenian Orthodox Christian, I fast in a simple but intentional way. I don’t eat from 8 pm until 12 pm the next day, and during Lent I also refrain from meat and animal products. In the mornings, I only drink water, black coffee, or tea.

That quiet space, even the gentle feeling of hunger, reminds me that I depend on God more than anything else. It shifts my focus from physical comfort to spiritual clarity.

My mornings during Lent:

My mornings during Lent are slower and more intentional. I begin with prayer, read one chapter of Scripture, choose a Psalm at random, and always end with Psalm 23 or Psalm 91.

Psalm 23 reminds me that the Lord is my Shepherd — I lack nothing.

Psalm 91 reminds me that He is my refuge and protection.

 

But here’s what I’ve learned: Lent doesn’t look the same for everyone — and it shouldn’t.

Some people fast from certain foods.
Some remove meat and dairy as part of a traditional fast.
Some give up sugar or social media.
Others choose to add something instead — more prayer, daily gratitude, or consistent reading of Scripture.

The heart of Lent is not in what you remove. It’s in what you make room for.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10

Lent is about renewal. It’s about gently preparing our hearts for Easter.

Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness not to prove anything — but to prepare.

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness… After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry.” — Matthew 4:1–2

Lent invites us into that same posture of preparation.

Whether you fast in a traditional Orthodox way, give up something specific, or simply commit to deeper prayer — let this season draw you closer to Him.

Lent is not about deprivation.

It’s about devotion.