What is Lent? 4 Different Ways to Practice

Mountain sunrise

Pause for a moment and look outside. What do you see? What makes you smile?

Whatever you just described, think about this: what you saw was always there — it was just waiting for you to pause and notice it.

That’s the basic purpose of Lent: to create space in the middle of life’s responsibilities to appreciate what’s always been there: God’s presence.

“…You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:41-42

What is Lent?

Lent is a 40-day period of making space for God leading up to Resurrection Sunday. Based on Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, Lent is an important tool that can help you stay attuned to God’s voice as you reflect on His sacrificial love.

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

Psalm 46:10

While Lent does include personal sacrifice, the goal of this time isn’t to “better” your life, but to center your life on what matters most: the One who made you and died for you.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

Lent begins today. However you choose to practice it, we hope you’ll spend the next 40 days creating space in your soul to reflect on Jesus’ sacrificial suffering and the power of His resurrection.

Together, let’s make space for what matters.

4 Ways to Focus on God During Lent

1. Memorize the Verse of the Day

Our outlook on life changes when we get God’s Word inside of us. If you’ve always wanted to memorize Scripture but were never sure where to start, commit to memorizing the Verse of the Day for 40 days!

If you start today, you’ll know 40 passages by Resurrection Sunday, and you’ll be well on your way to establishing a lifelong habit.

View Verse of the Day

2. Try Guided Prayer

Prayer is simply an honest conversation between you and God. And, it’s a great discipline to begin during Lent. Becoming a person who prays confidently may take some practice, but you can get started by committing at least 10 minutes a day to prayer.

When you want to talk with God but you don’t know what to say, Guided Prayer can help you get started.

View Guided Prayer

3. Start a Lent Plan

One of the best ways to draw closer to God is by spending time in His Word. If you’re not sure where to start, pick a Lent Plan and complete one Plan day, every day, for all 40 days of Lent.

To get the most from your Plan, set up daily reminders in Plan settings. Then, invite a few trusted friends to join you and reflect together on what God is doing in your lives.

View Lent Plans

4. Practice Generosity

God modeled what generosity looks like when He sacrificed His greatest treasure for us. During the next 40 days, draw near to God through generosity.

There are lots of meaningful ways you can give financially to what God is doing throughout the world. Take a moment and ask God to show you how you can bless those around you.

Learn More About Generosity

How are you preparing for Easter?

Mountain sunrise

You’re Invited

When you think about Lent, what words come to mind? Self-discipline? Sacrifice? Duty?

Lent starts today, and it’s a 40-day period of making space for God leading up to Easter. Every year, millions of Christians choose to give things up in order to put Jesus first.

Lent might seem like an obligation, but it’s actually an invitation. It’s about denying ourselves so we can learn to walk in God’s unforced rhythms of grace.

Between now and Easter Sunday, create space for what matters most. Invest a few minutes each day spending time with God. And, know that millions of people will be joining you, putting Jesus first.

Choose a Lent Plan:

More Lent Plans

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Want to learn more about how you can prepare your heart for Easter? Discover 4 Ways to Practice Lent.

Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month Plans

Celebrating Black Voices

February is Black History Month, and we’re celebrating by listening to Black pastors and leaders in our Community who are helping us grow closer to God.

Discover featured Plans from Black leaders strengthening the global Church:

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The 21-Day Challenge starts February 1!

21-Day Challenge

How would your life look different if you made time with God a daily habit this year?

Imagine how your faith, relationships, and mental health will have evolved a year from now because you purposefully chose to pursue God today.

As February begins, fix your eyes on Jesus with the 21-Day Challenge. Complete one Bible Plan Day for 21 days during the month to earn an exclusive Badge.

Find out how 21 days can change your life, just like the millions of others around the world who have taken on the Challenge.

The reviews are in…

“It’s taken my spiritual walk to another level.”

Crystal, United States

“It helped me rediscover my
relationship with God.”

Faith, Nigeria

“It has helped me study on the go.”

Dianah, United Kingdom

“It made me realize that I am
meant for so much more.”

Meredith, United States

Ready to accept the challenge?

1

Pick a Plan to start. It’s okay if it’s shorter than 21 days. You can read multiple Plans that add up to 21 days or you can choose a longer Plan.

2

Begin February 1, and complete at least one Plan Day for 21 days during the month. Plan Days don’t have to be completed in a row.

3

Earn an exclusive Badge as a reward for your consistency.

21-Day Challenge Badge

Get started with one of these
recommended Plans:

View More Plans

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Ready for a Fresh Start?

2022

Every year, we hope things will be different…

As the calendar turns to January, we’re filled with hope that this year is going to be different, that things are going to be better.

But, God doesn’t make us better—He makes us new!

Therefore if anyone is in Christ the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17

No amount of changes we make are going to bring results that compare to actively seeking Jesus—and allowing Him to transform us.

This year, choose to make a lasting change by consistently drawing nearer to God through His Word. Get started by selecting one of the Plans below:

Find More Plans

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