Lent Begins: A Season of Accelerated Growth
- Stephen Sutton
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Tomorrow we begin Lent together.
As a church this year, we’ve been talking a lot about growth; being built up, maturing in Christ, stepping into more of what God has for us. And I genuinely believe He has growth for you in this season.
For centuries, the church has used Lent as a focused period to go deeper into the stuff of Jesus. Not to earn anything. Not to impress anyone. But to push in. To create space. To grow spiritually.
None of us have yet reached “the full measure of the fullness of Christ.” Which means there is more for us. More maturity. More love. More depth. More strength in our inner beings.
So over these 46 days (40 if you don’t count Sundays!), we are choosing not to stay still. We’re choosing not to sit on the end of the weight bench spiritually. We’re stepping into an accelerated growth season.
Here’s what that looks like.
1. Fasting – Every Monday
Each Monday during Lent we will fast together (if you’re medically able).
You might choose to:
Skip one meal
Fast sunrise to sunset (two meals)
Fast the whole day (three meals)
Or if food fasting isn’t wise for you, lay down something else meaningful
Fasting is powerful. It is a way of praying with your whole being.
It’s saying, “You matter more, God. I hunger for your kingdom more than comfort.”
When hunger hits, let it become your prayer. Let your body join your spirit in seeking Him.
2. A Daily 30-Minute Prayer Rhythm
This isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about being with Jesus.
Learning to sit in His presence. Learning to listen. Learning to be led.
Grab a Bible, a notebook and pen. Find a quiet space. Work through this simple pattern.
Opening Prayer
Hello Jesus, I am here.
I quiet my heart and mind before you.
I lay down distraction and my to-do list.
Make me present to you,
as you are present to me.
Speak, Lord. I am listening.
Amen.
5 minutes – Stillness
Slow down. Breathe. Return to the phrase, “Here I am, Lord.”
Or begin by thanking God for what you are grateful for.
10 minutes – Scripture
(This week’s passage is below)
Read slowly. Let it shape you, not just inform you.
Ask: What is God forming in me?
10 minutes – Prayer
Pray in three movements:
Grow me – shape my character, deepen my love, renew my mind.
Grow us – strengthen The Beacon and those walking Lent together.
Grow your kingdom – in my family, workplace and across Teesside.
5 minutes – Listening
Sit quietly. Write down what you sense Jesus might be forming in you.
Don’t force it. Just receive.
Closing Prayer
(Replace “today” with “tomorrow” if praying in the evening.)
Hello Jesus, I am here,
I place myself into your story today.
May I be woven into your plans today.
May I be guided by your voice today.
May I be eager to love today.
May I walk in the joy and thanksgiving of all you have made and all you have given to me today.
Holy Spirit, form me into the likeness of Jesus.
Grow my roots deep in you.
Amen.
3. Scripture Focus – Week 1
This first week we are sitting in:
Ephesians 3:14 – 5:20
Don’t rush it. Read it slowly across the week. Let it soak in.
This passage moves from being strengthened in your inner being, to walking in love, to putting off the old self, to being filled with the Spirit and becoming people of light.
It is rich. Let it form you.
Weekly GROW Challenge
For these first few days, simply establish the rhythm.
Get used to the prayer pattern. Complete your first fast. Create space.
From next Monday onwards, you’ll receive a weekly GROW Challenge to help you put practical reps in and grow in the ways of Jesus.
Stay Connected
If you haven’t yet joined the Lent WhatsApp group, you can do so here:
(Only I will post in there, so you won’t be flooded with notifications.) I’ll send encouragements, reminders, short videos and practical tips through the week.
Let’s take this seriously.
Let’s push a little harder than is comfortable.
And let’s look back at Easter and know we didn’t stay the same.
He has more for you.
Stephen
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