Season: Lent (February 18 - April 4, 2026). Meaning: Repentance and preparation for Easter. Liturgical Color: Purple. Practices: Ashes imposed with “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (Joel 2:12-18). Fasting: Major fast day; abstain from meat, one main meal and two smaller meals, or full fast (health permitting). Daily: Give up foods (e.g., meat, sweets) or habits (e.g., social media). Fridays are traditional fast days (no meat, reduced portions). Anglican/Lutheran emphasize fasting; Methodists/Presbyterians choose personally (e.g., skip lunch); Baptists rarely fast. Prayer: Merciful God, as we fast and pray in Lent, grant us contrite hearts and renewed spirits. Lead us through Your Son’s passion to His resurrection. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.