Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. - 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

The observance of Lent has been happening among believers since as early as the third century. Traditionally, the season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and is observed for the forty days leading up to Easter, not including Sundays. The focus of these forty days is the preparation of the body, mind and spirit for the celebration of Easter.

Lent’s “three pillars” are fasting, prayer and giving. It is a time to remove distractions, pursue holiness and press into our relationship with God. As we choose to forgo some of our earthly comforts and give more time to our Lord, we prepare our hearts to receive the joy of the gospel on Easter morning.

We’ve chosen the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians to be our companions as we walk through these 40 days. Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians will encourage our waiting hearts as we look toward both Easter and Jesus’ return. As we read, we will be reminded of the great hope we have in Christ as the Spirit spurs us on to holiness. Our prayer is that this Lenten season will train us in patient, expectant, kingdom-minded endurance and deepen our faith as we await the renewal of all things. Our study will conclude with gospel readings from Luke during Holy Week.

*PRINTING NOTES: 38 pages, single-sided.