Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a period of 40 days leading up to Good Friday & Easter, focused on spiritual devotion, fasting, and prayer. The name comes from the practice of putting ashes upon the forehead and is often associated with confession and repentance. It is a big day in the calendar for many Catholics and Anglicans.
While we don’t emphasize this day as religiously as others, it can be a great tool for 2 key aspects of our faith: 1) Growth and 2) Evangelism.
1) Growth – Fasting, prayer, and meditation on Scripture are always good ideas and Ash Wednesday gives you a framework and timeline to be intentional about these practices.
Here’s a FREE DEVOTIONAL that guides you through the 40 Days of Lent leading up to Easter. The study is gospel-centered and widely used, and I personally know the author and can recommend.
2) Evangelism – Ash Wednesday is a well-known day and practice so it provides an open door to talk about Jesus. I saw people with ashes on their forehead and heard about it on the news a couple times just this morning. Any time our culture is talking about church or God, it’s an opportunity for us to proclaim the gospel and invite others to church.
Share this Ash Wednesday Blog on social media or with a friend as a brief and concise explanation of what this day and Lent are all about.Start up a conversation at work or in your neighborhood. Invite someone to go through the Free Devotional with you.Invite someone to church on Sunday or (early) invite them to Good Friday (April 10th) and Easter (April 12th) at Phoenix Bible Church.
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