Christian leaders and believers have encouraged the public to approach the Lenten season as a time for spiritual renewal and self-reflection rather than a period of hardship or punishment.
They say the season offers believers an opportunity to deepen their relationship with God through prayer, fasting and acts of kindness as they prepare spiritually for the Easter celebrations.
Reverend Kofi Amissah, Director of Odene Ministry in Tema, explained that the church was currently in the middle of the Lenten journey, a period that called on Christians to reflect on their faith and commitment to God.
“Lent is a time we set ourselves aside to walk together with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to the cross,” Rev. Amissah said.
He noted that even Christians who might not be able to abstain from food could still use the season to strengthen their faith through prayer and the study of the scriptures.
Rev. Amissah also announced that the final week of Lent would feature the connectional prayer week, during which members of the Methodist community would gather from Monday to Friday to pray for the peace and prosperity of Ghana.
“Let us continue to seek divine guidance and preparation for the younger generation,” he added.
Ms Edith Kwakye, Founder of the She Helping Her Foundation, explained that Lent was essentially a period of preparation intended to promote intentional spiritual growth ahead of Easter.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), she said the 40-day observance reflected the time Jesus Christ spent fasting in the wilderness and was built on three main pillars: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
She said the season encouraged Christians to examine their relationship with God, reflect on their life direction through prayer and fasting, and demonstrate their faith through charitable acts such as donating food and supporting vulnerable people.
According to Ms Kwakye, the period helps believers prepare their hearts spiritually for the celebration of Easter.
She cautioned, however, that the significance of the Lenten season could be lost if it became merely a routine religious practice without genuine spiritual transformation.
Ms Kwakye also advised Christians to remain disciplined and consistent in their spiritual practices while taking care of their physical well-being, warning against extreme fasting that could harm one’s health.
Mr Enoch Fosu, a member of the Methodist Church, emphasised that fasting during Lent should not only involve abstaining from food but also refraining from negative habits and behaviours.
He noted that such spiritual discipline could help believers strengthen their faith and reflect more deeply on the life and sacrifice of Christ.
