The power of Lent: 3 ways to achieve personal and spiritual growth.

Day 24 of Lent: How to use Lent as a time for personal and spiritual growth

Lent is a sacred season in the Christian tradition, spanning 40 days (excluding Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. It is a period of reflection, repentance, and renewal, modeled after Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. While many associate Lent with giving up certain luxuries, its deeper purpose is to foster personal and spiritual growth. On this 24th day of Lent, let’s explore how you can use this season to deepen your faith, cultivate self-discipline, and transform your inner life.

The historical and spiritual significance of Lent

Lent originated in the early Church as a time of preparation for catechumens (new converts) before their baptism at Easter. By the 4th century, it became a widespread practice among Christians as a period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.

The 40-day duration symbolises significant biblical events—Moses’ 40 days on Mount Sinai, Elijah’s 40-day journey to Horeb, and Jesus’ 40-day fast in the desert. These examples highlight spiritual endurance, reliance on God, and resistance to temptation—key themes for personal growth during Lent.

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Three pillars of Lenten growth: Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving

The Church encourages three key practices during Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—each contributing to personal and spiritual transformation.

1. Deepening your prayer life

Prayer is the foundation of spiritual growth. Lent invites you to move beyond routine prayers and engage in intentional, reflective communication with God. Consider:

Lectio Divina: A meditative reading of Scripture, focussing on how God speaks to you personally.

Examen prayer: A daily review of your thoughts, actions, and God’s presence in your life.

Silent contemplation: Setting aside 10-15 minutes daily for stillness, listening for God’s voice.

By Day 24 of Lent, you may notice a deeper sense of peace, clarity, and connection with God if you’ve committed to a structured prayer routine.

2. Fasting as a tool for self-mastery

Fasting isn’t just about giving up food—it’s about detaching from distractions that hinder spiritual growth. Beyond chocolate or social media, consider fasting from:

Negative speech (gossip, complaints)

Excessive screen time (replacing it with spiritual reading)

Impulsive spending (redirecting funds to charity)

By Day 24, you may find increased self-discipline, mental clarity, and reliance on God’sstrength rather than worldly comforts.

3. Almsgiving: Cultivating generosity

Almsgiving—acts of charity—helps shift focus from self to others. This Lent, consider:

Donating to a cause that aligns with your faith values.

Volunteering time at a shelter, food bank, or church ministry.

Practising kindness daily—listening, encouraging, or helping someone in need.

By now, you may feel a greater sense of purpose and joy from serving others.

Practical steps for continued growth in the second half of Lent

As you reach Day 24, the initial zeal of Lent might wane. Here’s how to stay committed:

1. Reflect on your progress

What spiritual insights have you gained so far?

Have your sacrifices brought you closer to God?

Are there areas where you’ve struggled? Offer these to God in prayer.

2. Adjust your approach if needed

If a particular practice isn’t bearing fruit, modify it. Perhaps switch from strict fasting to a more meaningful spiritual discipline, like journalling or attending daily Mass.

3. Reconnect with the Lenten mission

Remind yourself that Lent is not just about self-improvement but drawing nearer to Christ. Read the Gospels, especially Jesus’ teachings on repentance and renewal (e.g., Matthew 6:1-18).

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The lasting impact of Lent on personal and spiritual growth

When Lent ends, the fruits of your efforts shouldn’t vanish. The habits formed—prayer, self-discipline, generosity—can shape a lifelong journey of faith. By Day 24, you’re not just counting down to Easter; you’re building a deeper relationship with God that extends beyond the season.

Final encouragement

As you continue your Lenten journey, remember: growth takes time. Whether you’ve stumbled or soared these past weeks, God’s grace is sufficient. Use the remaining days to press forward in faith, knowing that this sacred season is transforming you from within.

By embracing Lent as a time for personal and spiritual growth, you align yourself with centuries of believers who have found renewal in this holy season. Let this 24th day of Lent be a stepping stone toward a deeper, more vibrant faith—one that lasts long after Easter Sunday.

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