What is Lent?

Lent is a sacred season in the life of the Church—a 40-day journey of prayer, fasting, repentance, and renewal leading to Resurrection Sunday. It is a time to slow down, turn inward, and draw closer to God. During Lent, we remember:

- our dependence on God
- our need for repentance and renewal
- the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ
- the call to live transformed lives

This one-week fast is our congregation’s intentional entry into that journey.

Participation

Every member and friend of Friendship-West is invited to join this fast. Participation may look different from person to person depending on health, capacity, and season of life. What matters most is intentional engagement.If you have medical concerns, please consult your physician before beginning a food-based fast. Modifications are always acceptable.

How To Fast

Members are encouraged to prayerfully choose a fast that stretches them while remaining healthy. Acceptable fasting options include:
- Daniel Fast (fruits, vegetables, and water)
- Sunrise-to-sunset fast- One-meal-a-day fast
- Media or technology fast
- A specific sacrifice fast (sweets, caffeine, meat, or another regular indulgence)
You may keep the same fast for all 50 days or adjust as needed with prayerful intention.

What This Fast Is & Is Not

This fast is:
- A corporate spiritual discipline
- A time of humility, listening, and obedience
- A Jubilee act of remembrance and recommissioning
This fast is not:
- A competition
- A test of spiritual maturity
- A requirement to fast in only one way
Grace and consistency matter more than intensity.

Fasting Guidelines

Fasting during Lent is not about punishment. It is about making space for God. Choose the form of fasting that is prayerful and meaningful for you.

Option 1:
Modified Daniel Fast

- fruits
- vegetables
- grains
- water
- avoid meat, sweets, and processed foods

Option 2:
One Meal Fast

- fast one meal each day
- use that time for prayer and and to read Scripture

Option 3:
Personal Sacrifice Fast

- social media
- entertainment
- unnecessary spending
- anything that creates intentional space for God

Daily Spiritual Rhythm

Throughout this Lenten fast, we invite you into a daily rhythm:
Morning:
- Exodus reading, Gospel reading, and prayer.
- Join us every weekday for prayer at 5:30 am CST. Call 712-432-3900 and use the passcode 122330# to join
Midday:
- Pause for reflection and awareness of God’s presence
Evening:
- Personal or family devotion

Daily Holy Week Fast Guide

The 50 days are organized around five spiritual movements, each lasting ten days. Every day has a specific scripture and prayer focus.

Day 1: The God Who Sees

Exodus: Exodus 3:7
Gospel: Luke 19:41–44
‍Lenten Focus: Awareness and repentance

Day 2: The God Who Hears

Exodus: Exodus 3:7
Gospel: Mark 10:46–52
‍Lenten Focus: Honest prayer and lament

Day 3: Holy Ground

Exodus: Exodus 3:5
Gospel: Matthew 17:1–8
‍Lenten Focus: Reverence and attentiveness

Day 4: The God Who Comes Down

Exodus: Exodus 3:8
Gospel: John 1:14
‍Lenten Focus: Incarnation and humility

Day 5: Sent to Deliver

Exodus: Exodus 3:10
Gospel: Luke 4:18–19
‍Lenten Focus: Calling and obedience

Day 6: I Am

Exodus: Exodus 3:14
Gospel: John 8:58
Lenten Focus: Identity and trust

Day 7: Delivered to Worship

Exodus: Exodus 3:12
Gospel: John 4:23–24
Lenten Focus: Surrender and worship

Daily Participation Guide

Each day of the fast, participants are encouraged to do the following:

Honor your chosen fast: Be consistent and prayerful. If you need to adjust, do so with intention, not guilt.
Download the complete Holy Week Fast Booklet Here.
Join our daily prayer call each weekday: Join us every weekday for prayer at 5:30 am CST. Please call 712-432-3900 and use the passcode 122330# to join.