5 thoughtful ways to observe Lent this year

Easter is right around the corner. But before celebrating Jesus’s resurrection, Christians traditionally observe 40 days of Lent, a period of fasting, prayer and giving.  

Throughout Scripture, the number 40 often represents periods of waiting and trial. In the days of Noah, God sent 40 days of rain to flood the earth (Gen. 7:12). After escaping Egypt, the Israelites spent 40 years wandering the wilderness before entering the Promised Land (Num. 14:26-34). And Jesus spent 40 days in the desert without food and water, tempted by Satan (Matt. 4:1-11).

Lent invites us to remember these biblical narratives and respond to them. Even though all humans are sinful and deserving of God’s wrath, we can experience his faithfulness during trial, knowing Jesus ultimately did what humanity could not by perfectly rejecting the temptations of sin, then taking our place on the cross.

This year, Lent is observed from Ash Wednesday (March 5) to Maundy Thursday (April 17), excluding Sundays. For these 40 days, we invite you to practice introspection and refine your spiritual disciplines as we prepare to celebrate Easter. Here’s how:

1. Commit to daily Bible reading: Consider reading one chapter of Exodus daily. The 40-chapter narrative traces the captivity and liberation of God’s people after 400 years of enslavement. It offers a clear picture of God’s holiness and faithfulness, despite the routine failures of his people. 

Or consider reading one Psalm each day, noting what each one says about God’s character and our humanity. 

2. Take a break from social media: On average, people spend nearly two and a half hours each day on social media. Consider taking a social media fast during Lent and investing that time in community service, prayer or relationships. If social media is an important part of your community, maybe forgo specific apps, unfollow accounts that negatively impact your mental health or set a 20-minute time limit on your phone. 

3. Practice confession: James 5:16 says, Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

If you don’t often confess your sins to another person, Lent is an opportunity to do so. Once a week, consider meeting with a trusted accountability partner to have an honest conversation about your spiritual walk. Let them know what areas you’re struggling with and ask them to pray with you.

The practice of looking inward and acknowledging sin helps sanctify believers and encourages gratitude for Jesus’s perfect sacrifice and the Holy Spirit’s support. 

4. Declutter to donate: Use this season to give back while you spring clean! Donate used items—clothes, homeware, books, accessories, toys and electronics—to your local Salvation Army thrift store. Paring down excess belongings can help you experience peace and recenter your rhythms on Christ rather than consumption. Your donation will also reduce waste and support cost-free rehabilitation programs in your community. 

5. Volunteer: 1 Peter 4:10 encourages us to use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

If you can, donate your time and skills to support causes and programs you care about. Are you passionate about supporting survivors of human trafficking? Feeding the hungry? Promoting financial literacy? Connecting kids to the arts? 

From stocking a food pantry to teaching a dance class, there are endless opportunities for you to make a unique impact in your community. 

Do Good:

• Imagine we had a good-living modern village with real talk, real stories and real support for being human and hopeful. Join the Hopefuls Collective and find a place of low-pressure, high-encouragement love anytime you need it, whether you know it or not. Get in the group today.