Lent
Lent is a period of 40 days (excluding Sundays) that runs from Ash Wednesday to Easter Saturday. It is traditionally a time in the Christian calendar of fasting and pentitence as Christians prepare themselves for Holy Week. The reason that Sundays are not included in the 40 days is because Sunday is a day of celebration - celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.
In 2013 Lent runs from Wednesday 13 February to Saturday 30 March.
Even today, and across the traditions many Christians will 'fast' during Lent. This will often take the form of giving something up - chocolate and TV are two examples.
There is also an increasing trend for congregations to use Lent as a time to work through a series of Bible studies or a Lent course. This will often take the form of 40 studies that an individual will do at home, one each day, and then a group session once a week.
Christian Aid is one organisation that uses the time of Lent to challenge Christians about our 21 century life-style and the needs of many who live in poverty across the world. They produce a Lent calendar to help us reflect on these issues.
To download the Christian Aid Lent calendar click here.
To download a children's version of the calendar click here.
To download a version of the calendar for young people click here.
To visit the Christian Aid website click here.
The London Institute of Contemporary Christianity invite you to join the 'Power of Love' journey during Lent. You will receive a daily email prompt to pray about the power of love as demonstrated on the cross - which can transform both us and our workplaces. To sign up click here and visit their website.