Lent has arrived and it is time to get started on your spiritual preparations for the great feast of the Lord’s Resurrection. Here are ten ideas to help you get started.
- Read a Gospel in 40 Days: Read one chapter of a Gospel (I recommend Mark) each day to focus on the life of Jesus.
- Fast from Noise: Spend intentional time (I recommend starting with five minutes and go from there) in silence to listen for God’s voice.
- Perform Daily Acts of Kindness: Actively look for opportunities to serve (I recommend beginning with family and close friends).
- Pray the Stations of the Cross: Participate (I recommend during this each Friday) in this devotion at your local Church, in your home or online.
- Daily Morning Prayer: Set a specific time to pray upon waking (I recommend you get up earlier than normal) to start your day with God.
- Donate Items or Time: Clear out clothes, pantry items, (I recommend finding 40 things, one for each day of Lent) or volunteer at a local charity, such as a food pantry or shelter.
- Go on a Complaining Fast: Replace complaints (I recommend even during this with your unspoken thoughts) with positive, grateful words.
- Go to Confession: Take advantage of this great Sacrament (I strongly recommend this).
- Listen to a Spiritual Podcast or Read a Book: Replace mindless scrolling on the internet with something (I recommend reading a spiritual classic) that will enrich your faith.
- Create a Prayer List: Dedicate 40 days to praying specifically for 40 different people in your life (I also recommend praying for events/situations in the local/national/world news).
Come, Holy Spirit.
As I get started during this sacred season of Lent,
I ask for Your guidance that I may be truly ready
for the amazing joy of the Lord’s Resurrection.
