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 do you talk to God?

Person praying

If something in your life is big enough to worry about, it’s big enough to pray about. And, when we pray, we’re simply having an ongoing conversation with God.

Get past the hurdles that keep you from pursuing a lifestyle of prayer with these tools.

Guided Prayer

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

Start a conversation with God >

Guided Prayer

Prayer List

Draw closer to God and your community by creating and sharing Prayers.

Create a Prayer >

Prayer List

Prayer Reminders

Keep the conversation going with scheduled reminders.

Set Prayer Reminders >

Prayer Reminders

Prayer Updates

Notify your Friends as your Prayer requests change.

Learn How >

Prayer Updates

A 6-Step Guide to Prayer

In addition to these features, we’ve compiled a guide to help you learn how to pray using the model Jesus gave to His disciples.

Learn How to Pray >


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A Prayer for a Fresh Start

Person praying

God,

I’m excited for a new year, and I want to step into it with boldness and confidence. But if I’m being honest, I’m uncertain of what the year will hold—and that can feel unsettling.

Search me, God, and refresh my heart.

Please help me surrender my expectations for this year. Transform my mind as I draw near to You.

Search me, God, and align my heart with Yours.

As I pursue the plans You have for me, let me remember what You’ve already helped me overcome.

Search me, God, and heal my heart.

Whatever this year holds, I know You hold me. Nothing is impossible for You!

Restore me, God, and make me new.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

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A Prayer for Peace

Open Hands

Know God, Find Peace

Imagine you’re a shepherd in first century Bethlehem. Sheep surround you, but others won’t because of your work, your clothes, and your status.

For generations your family has said, “God has promised that it’s going to get better.” But you’re beginning to wonder: “is that really true?” Then one night everything changes. An angel appears and tells you that a Savior has been born.

Immanuel, “God with us” has come.

One day, this same child will take on the weight of all our wrongdoing by dying on a cross. And because of His sacrifice, we’re invited to live peacefully with God at all times, in all circumstances. So right now, let’s thank Jesus for His sacrifice and the peace we have because of Him.

A Prayer for Peace

God,

Even when my life feels chaotic, I can experience Your peace because of what Jesus did on the cross. Thank You for making this possible by sending us Your Son! He has made a way for us to know and experience You.

Even when life feels out of control, I can cling to the truth that Your peace isn’t based on my feelings or circumstances—but on Your character and faithfulness.

When I don’t feel at peace, please make Your presence known to me. Remind me that You’re in control. Give me Your strength and comfort when the world feels unsafe. Protect my heart and mind from the weight of my feelings and thoughts.

Allow me to sense Your presence, and to live with confidence that You are always near. Let my life be an example of Your peace that surpasses understanding.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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