“Pray, fast, give” – Anglican Priest urges deeper faith, community spirit this Lent

…says to not only pray for “ourselves, but pray for each other”

As Christians around the world commence their 40-day season of prayer, fasting and alms giving, Anglican Priest, the Very Revd Monsell Alves is urging those embarking on the spiritual journey of Lent to ensure they not only ask the Almighty for divineness for themselves, but they must too, pray for the upliftment of others.
Ash Wednesday is a holy day of prayer and fasting for Christians, particularly Anglicans and Catholics. It marks the first day of Lent, the six weeks of penitence, fasting, praying and alms giving, before Easter.

Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God and marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season. It is commonly observed with the distribution of ashes and with fasting.
In an interview with Guyana Times, Revd Alves, the parish priest of St Sidwell’s Anglican Church, who is also the Rural Dean of Demerara, highlighted the importance of the Lent season to Christians. He also noted that during this period, persons should not only improve on their relationship with Gob but also with society as a whole.
“I honestly believe that the Lenten season is a good time for us to refill; refill, refuel ourselves. And why? So that we can become more engaged with God, we can deepen our relationship with God. And even as we aspire to deepen our relationship with God, I think it should also help us to realize how important it is for us to have a relationship with one another, our fellow human beings. So, this, the Lenten season is important for us to pray not only for ourselves, but pray for one another, to engage ourself in biblical readings, and alms giving as you will hear as one of the practices too.”

One of the key highlights of Ash Wednesday is the marking of a cross on the forehead with ashes. According to Father Alves there are two sacramental reasons for this practice.
“One, the chrism oil is imposed on the forehead of someone at the point of baptism, and also at the point of holy confirmation, we make the sign of the cross. But more important than that, the word ta in the Hebrew language, it speaks to that of making the sign of the cross. And whenever the priest makes a sign of the cross on one’s forehead, it reminds the person of his or her sin and the need for repentance.”
Moreover, In Lent, many persons also commit to fasting. Revd Alves encouraged them not to fast to fit in but to fast with an intent on improving their personal relationship with God. He also urged persons with medical complications to consult with their doctors before fasting.
“When you fast it must not be for a show and do not fast because someone tells you to fast… I’m going to fast to improve or increase my relationship with Jehovah with God that is why I’m going to fast. If you’re not going to fast for the right reason my simple advice for anyone is don’t fast.”
He added. “And I want to say here, as you prepare to fast or think of fasting, ensure that you consult with your physician, consult with your doctor, if it is okay for you to fast. Do you want to do a dry fast? Do you want to do a food fast.”
During Lent Christians consume smaller portions as well as refrain from eating meat, particularly red meat. This is done as a form of purification and cleansing, which helps persons to build their spirituality.
Moreover, Revd Alves highlighted that the lent season is a crucial period in Christian lives that will help them to develop more faith and trust in God.
“I believe Ash Wednesday – because it speaks to repentance, because it speaks to forgiveness, because it calls us to rend ourselves – I believe it is a stepping stone; to increase our faith and our belief, trusting not in ourselves, but relying and putting our trust in Jesus Christ; and once we decide to put our trust in Jesus Christ, believing.”