The Lenten season is a sacred period in the Christian calendar — forty days of prayer, fasting, and spiritual reflection leading up to the celebration of Easter. For members of the Celestial Church of Christ, Lent is an opportunity to draw closer to God and deepen our spiritual lives. Here are some ways to prepare for and observe the Lenten season: Commit to a Fasting Schedule: Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline. During Lent, consider fasting on specific days of the week. Even if you cannot do a full fast, you can abstain from certain foods or activities as an act of devotion. The key is sincerity of heart. Increase Your Prayer Life: Use the Lenten season to establish or strengthen a daily prayer routine. The CCC prayer book is an excellent resource for structured prayer. Wake up earlier, spend time in quiet meditation, and bring your petitions before God with renewed fervour. Attend Special Services: Goshen Cathedral holds special Lenten services on Wednesday evenings. These services are specifically designed for the season and include extended prayer sessions, scripture readings focused on the suffering and sacrifice of Christ, and spiritual teachings. Read the Scriptures: Follow a Lenten Bible reading plan that takes you through the Gospels, focusing on the life, ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let the Word of God wash over you daily during this season. Practice Generosity: Lent is also a time for giving. Consider giving to the church's Welfare Fund, supporting a family in need, or volunteering your time for community service. Acts of generosity reflect the sacrificial love of Christ. Examine Your Heart: Lent invites us to honest self-examination. Are there sins to confess? Relationships to mend? Habits to break? Use this season as a spiritual reset, allowing God to search your heart and renew your spirit. As we journey through Lent together as a parish, let us support one another in prayer and encouragement. The destination is Easter — the glorious celebration of Christ's resurrection and our eternal hope. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." — Psalm 51:10