LENT 2023
Now we enter a season where we remember Christ's life and His sacrifice for us.
The season of Lent is a time dedicated to fasting, prayer and Scripture reading. It is modeled after the 40 days that Jesus Christ spent in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.
During Lent we choose something to abstain (or fast) from, which will be a sacrifice that will help us to focus our time and attention on God. We have provided a list of suggestions below.
During Lent we choose something to abstain (or fast) from, which will be a sacrifice that will help us to focus our time and attention on God. We have provided a list of suggestions below.
- DATES: Wednesday February 22nd to Saturday, April 8th (Sundays are excluded)
- WHO: ALL are welcome to participate
- SCRIPTURE READINGS: The scriptures will be posted on this page daily. You can also find them on the Lent Reading Plan (below).
- PUSH NOTIFICATIONS: Download The Fountain Church App to get the daily readings sent directly to your smart phone each morning. You must turn on "push notifications" in your phone's settings.
- LENT ACTIVITIES:
- Download The Fountain Church App
- Read the Daily Scriptures that are posted on this page and in The Fountain Church App
- Select YOUR Fast. Choose something to abstain from for the duration of Lent
- Try to journal each day and keep track of your spiritual journey
Join the "Deeper Devotional Life" Wellness Community by tapping on the messaging area of the Church App. You will be able to share your insights on today's scripture passage and encourage others along the way.
LENT 2023
Now we enter a season where we remember Christ's life and His sacrifice for us.
The season of Lent is a time dedicated to fasting, prayer and Scripture reading. It is modeled after the 40 days that Jesus Christ spent in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.
During Lent we choose something to abstain (or fast) from, which will be a sacrifice that will help us to focus our time and attention on God. We have provided a list of suggestions below.
During Lent we choose something to abstain (or fast) from, which will be a sacrifice that will help us to focus our time and attention on God. We have provided a list of suggestions below.
- DATES: Wednesday, February 22nd to Saturday, April 8th (Sundays are excluded)
- WHO: ALL are welcome to participate
- SCRIPTURE READINGS: The scriptures will be posted on this page daily. See below.
- PUSH NOTIFICATIONS: Download The Fountain Church App to get the daily readings sent directly to your smart phone each morning. You must turn on "push notifications" in your phone's settings.
- LENT ACTIVITIES:
- Download The Fountain Church App
- Read the Daily Scriptures that are posted on this page and in The Fountain Church App
- Select YOUR Fast. Choose something to abstain from for the duration of Lent
- Try to journal each day and keep track of your spiritual journey
Your Lent experience with The Fountain will be maximized by downloading the Fountain Church app.
LENT FASTING IDEAS
21 Ideas of THINGS to Give Up for Lent:
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CHOOSE ONE OR SELECT YOUR OWN.
- Meat
- Chocolate
- Sweets (candy, desserts, etc.)
- Junk food
- A specific food group
- Coffee
- Soda
- Alcohol
- Getting takeout
- Fast food/drive-thru
- Social networking/Social media
- Television/YouTube /streaming platforms
- Movies
- Listening to the radio
- Secular music
- Online shopping
- Buying unnecessary items
- Games on your phone
- Video Games/Gaming
- Sex
- Excessive/Unnecessary talking
WEEK 5 - GROWING TOGETHER
DAY 24 - Isaiah 55:1-3 (NIV)
1 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. 3 Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.
1 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. 3 Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.
DAY 23 - James 4:8 (HCSB)
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!
WEEK 4 - VIBING TOGETHER
DAY 22 - Psalm 150 (AMP)
Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to [the abundance of] His greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flute. Praise Him with resounding cymbals; Praise Him with loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to [the abundance of] His greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flute. Praise Him with resounding cymbals; Praise Him with loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
DAY 21 - Romans 15:13 (AMP)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.
DAY 20 - Psalm 1:1-3 (CSB)
How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
DAY 19 - Colossians 4:2 (AMP)
Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.
Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.
DAY 18 - Matthew 5:4 (AMP)
“Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].
“Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].
DAY 17 - Psalm 57:7 (AMP)
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast and confident!I will sing, yes, I will sing praises [to You]!
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast and confident!I will sing, yes, I will sing praises [to You]!
WEEK 3 - Giving Generously
DAY 16 - Genesis 14:18-20
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
DAY 15 - 2 Corinthians 8:7
Just as you excel in everything-- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-- see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
Just as you excel in everything-- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-- see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
DAY 14 - Proverbs 13:11
Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
DAY 13 - 2 Corinthians 9:7
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
DAY 12 - Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
DAY 11 - Proverbs 3:9–10
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
WEEK 2 - TRUSTING GOD
DAY 10 - Jeremiah 17:7-8
7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. 8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. 8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
DAY 9 - Psalm 9:9-10
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
DAY 8 - Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
DAY 7 - Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
DAY 6 - Psalm 37:3-9
3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. 9 For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. 9 For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
DAY 5 - Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. (NIV)
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. (NIV)
WEEK 1 - UNITY
DAY 4 - Ephesians 4:14-16
14. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (NIV)
14. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (NIV)
DAY 3 - Ephesians 4:11-13
11. So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12. to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13. until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (NIV)
11. So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12. to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13. until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (NIV)
DAY 2 - Ephesians 4:4-7
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5. one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6. one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. (NIV)
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5. one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6. one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. (NIV)
DAY 1 - Ephesians 4:1-3
1. As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)
1. As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)