Table of Contents
Introduction
Lent 2026 invites us into a sacred season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and culminating in the triumphant joy of Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, these 40 days (plus Sundays) offer a profound opportunity to draw closer to God, realign our hearts with His will, and emerge transformed by His grace.
Scripture Focus
Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.
— Joel 2:12–13 (ESV)
The Three Pillars of Lent
1. Prayer – Deepening Our Dialogue with God
- Daily Devotion: Set aside intentional time each day for Scripture reading and prayer.
- Prayer Journal: Record prayers, reflections, and God’s responses.
- Family Prayer: Gather for a brief Lenten prayer each evening.
2. Fasting – Creating Space for God
- Traditional Fast: Consider abstaining from meat on Fridays or fasting from one meal a day.
- Digital Fast: Reduce social media or screen time to create space for spiritual reading.
- Fast from Negativity: Commit to speaking words of life and gratitude.
3. Almsgiving – Extending God’s Love
- Give Generously: Support a local food bank, missionary, or charity.
- Acts of Kindness: Perform one intentional act of kindness each day.
- Time as Treasure: Volunteer your time to serve others.
Weekly Lenten Journey Guide
Week 1 (Feb 18–24): From Dust to Destiny
- Theme: Humility and Repentance
- Key Verse: Psalm 51:10
- Challenge: Write down one thing you need to surrender to God this Lent.
Week 2 (Feb 25–Mar 3): Wilderness Wisdom
- Theme: Trust in God’s Provision
- Key Verse: Matthew 4:4
- Challenge: Fast from worrying—bring every anxiety to God in prayer.
Week 3 (Mar 4–10): Living Water
- Theme: Spiritual Thirst
- Key Verse: John 4:14
- Challenge: Drink only water for a day, praying for spiritual refreshment.
Week 4 (Mar 11–17): Light in the Darkness
- Theme: Christ Our Light
- Key Verse: John 8:12
- Challenge: Light a candle each evening and pray for someone in darkness.
Week 5 (Mar 18–24): The Cost of Love
- Theme: Sacrificial Love
- Key Verse: John 15:13
- Challenge: Perform a secret act of service for someone.
Holy Week (Mar 25–Apr 5): From the Cross to the Empty Tomb
- Palm Sunday: Celebrate Christ the King
- Maundy Thursday: Remember the Last Supper
- Good Friday: Reflect on Christ’s sacrifice
- Holy Saturday: Wait in hopeful anticipation
- Easter Sunday: Rejoice in resurrection power!
Daily Lenten Prayer
Gracious Heavenly Father, as we journey through these 40 days, draw us closer to You. Where we have wandered, call us back. Where we are weak, strengthen us. Where we are burdened, set us free. May this Lent be a season of true transformation—from ashes to glory, from death to life, from our ways to Yours. In the Lord Jesus’ name, Amen.
Preparing for Easter
Lent is not an end in itself—it prepares us for the glorious resurrection of Easter. As we deny ourselves, we make room to celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death with deeper joy, gratitude, and renewed faith.
Practical Tips for a Meaningful Lent
- Start Small: Choose one or two practices rather than overwhelming yourself.
- Accountability: Share your Lenten commitment with a friend or family member.
- Grace Over Guilt: If you miss a day, begin again. Lent is about progress, not perfection.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17