Lent: A Season to Seek God & Pray

This year, I noticed something unusual; Lent and Ramadan began at the same time. This overlap is rare and will not happen again for another 33 or 34 years, around 2059 or 2060. While both holidays require some fasting and prayer, the main difference between them is their focus, and of course, the person of their focus!

Lent is for 40 days preceding Easter. It’s a Christian solemn season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, starting on Ash Wednesday and ending before Easter. Ramadan commemorates the month in which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and centers on spiritual renewal and community with fasting.

For Christians, Lent is the holiday that celebrates the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. We have hope in the fact that our Savior came, died for us, and rose again.

While the beliefs behind them are very different, the parallel seasons remind us how deeply human hearts long to seek God. We were created to worship and bring glory to the ONE TRUE GOD.

For Christian ministry wives, Lent, while not commanded in Scripture, can be a sacred invitation to slow down and remember the journey of Christ to the cross.

Lent calls us to repentance, prayer, and reflection on the sacrifice of Jesus. Scripture reminds us:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
—Psalm 51:10

Fasting during Lent is not simply about giving something up; it is about making room for God. Jesus taught this clearly:

“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.”
—Matthew 6:17–18

For ministry wives, Lent can stir two important responses.

First, it reminds us to renew our own devotion. It is possible to be surrounded by ministry and still neglect intimacy with Christ. Lent invites us back to the quiet place with Jesus. As Scripture says:

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
—James 4:8

Second, it reminds us to pray for the nations. During Ramadan, millions of Muslims are seeking God through fasting and prayer. As believers, we have the privilege of praying that many will encounter the truth of the gospel and the love of Christ. 

In light of the events unfolding these past few days, we must pray for our world that the truth of the Gospel be spoken to all peoples. May we, as believers, take the challenge I have recently received below from Nik Ripken Ministries: 

“It is the most holy month of the year for Muslims, as they fast, pray, and seek God. Would you commit over the next month to pray that the Holy Spirit uses their cultural proclivity for dreams and visions to change the content of those dreams and visions to point them to Jesus the Messiah?

Pray that they will hear God’s voice, dream of the Bible, and have a vision of Jesus calling out to them. Pray that God will take them on a spiritual pilgrimage that will lead them to a believer to share the Good News of Christ with them. The only reason Muslims aren’t saying “yes” to Jesus by the scores is that they have not had a chance to hear… let’s change that together!”

Jesus declared:

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
—John 14:6

While many seek God through religious effort, we know that salvation comes through the finished work of Christ on the cross.

For ministry wives who carry the spiritual burdens of families, churches, and communities, Lent becomes a time to return to what matters most: prayer, repentance, and love for those who do not yet know Christ.

Instead of only giving something up this Lent, consider adding something deeper:

  • More intentional prayer
  • Scripture meditation
  • Intercession for those seeking God around the world
  • Renewed love for Christ and His mission

The cross reminds us that our hope is not in our fasting, our effort, or our devotion, but in the grace of Jesus.

Reflection Scripture

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.”
—Isaiah 55:6

Prayer

Lord, during this Lenten season, renew my heart for You. Help me prioritize prayer and love above all ministry activity. As many around the world seek God in different ways, give me a heart to pray for them and to reflect the truth and grace of Christ. Draw me closer to the cross and fill me again with Your love. Amen.

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