What is Lent?
Lent, which comes from an Anglo-Saxon word for “spring,” can be viewed as a spiritual spring cleaning: a time for taking spiritual inventory and then cleaning out everything which hinders a relationship with Christ.
Traditionally, the season of Lent begins with a sign of repentance: placing ashes mixed with oil on one’s head or forehead. This day is known as Ash Wednesday.
However, we must realize that any Lenten disciplines/denials we demonstrate before God should be practiced to help us become closer to Christ and become more like Him, not to wallow in our repentance or try to gain favor or earn more love from God.