Christians Tailor Lent Outside Catholic Traditions

The season of Lent begins not only for millions of Catholics by having placed a sign of the cross on their foreheads with ash on Wednesday, but with many Christians in and outside of denominations vowing to mark the season with acts of faith.

Though Lent is often seen as part of the Catholic tradition of fasting for 40 days (calculated sometimes to exclude the weekends in the days leading to Easter), many Christians view this time as serving as a reminder to the importance of getting closer to God.

Christine Smith, founder of the online site Womens Bible Cafe, wrote on Tuesday, "Throughout biblical history we see 40 days of testing, waiting and drawing closer to God."

Smith said that Lent typically marks a spiritual quest for Christians and the Bible has several examples of 40-day tests and journeys.

"Look beyond the face of religion and into the heart … and see if God is calling you for the next 40 days," she stated. "Does He want your attention and your heart focused on Him?"

While Protestants generally do not mark their foreheads with ashes from last year's Palm Sunday ceremonies – a tradition mainly observed in the Catholic and Anglican churches – they hold special services and give special prayers for repentance and renewal on the holiday. Keep reading