Lent is a 40-day preparation for Easter where we deepen our spirituality through new practices, 

If you are looking for something significant to do, here are eight things you can try during the Lenten season. Some ideas include acting kindly, fasting, and reading the scripture. 

What is Lent?

In Christianity and its other sects, Lent is a season to prepare for Easter, the most important season. It also commemorates the passion and death of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to save us from our sins. 

Whether you’re a Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, or Oriental Christian, you should be involved in Lenten practices. Give up something this season to tie yourself to Jesus’ sacrifices. 

1. Choose a Sacrifice

Lent is a season to remember the passion and death of Jesus. Just as he sacrificed His life for our salvation, so should we give up something. This small act would mean a lot to Jesus, whether you choose to stop eating meat, quit smoking, or spend less money.

Remember that the sacrifice lasts for forty days, starting on Ash Wednesday. Focus on bad habits you want to remove. Do you always eat sweets? Perhaps you like gossiping or staying in bed all day.

2. Perform an Act of Kindness

Challenge yourself to 40 straight days of random acts of kindness. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. You can try buying someone food, helping someone cross the street, or baking for your neighbors. Don’t forget to keep track of these deeds by writing them down in your Lent journal.

3. Read the Scripture

The entire 40 days should be spent reading the Bible and letting God communicate to you through His Word. You may also look for a Bible App that presents different Bible stories related to Lent daily. That’s much better than opening Facebook or Instagram to connect with friends.

Here are some Bible stories you should not miss. 

• Jesus is baptized by John. (Matthew 3:313-17)
• Son of David, have mercy on me (Luke 18:35-43)
• The Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30)
• The Crucifixion of Jesus (Mark 15:21-41)

4. Pray the Whole Day

Did you know Jesus prayed for forty days and nights in the desert? You can do the same. 

As soon as you wake up, a simple “thank you, God” will do. While showering, ask God to cleanse you on the inside and guide you in your daily plans. Start and end your meals with prayers, too. Then, before going to bed, read the Bible. Reflect on what happened during the day, and say one last prayer. 

5. Self-Examine and Reflect

Lent is the season to reflect on what is truly important. Take it as your time to renew your mind toward God. Remember that His love for us is humanized through Jesus Christ. It is through Him that we see, hear, feel, and touch God’s love. Make sure you acknowledge these experiences every time you sense them. 

6. Try a New Spiritual Practice

A prayer journal, a gratitude blog, home declutter, or daily 1-hour walks are some practices you can try during the Lenten season. These activities will help you focus more on God and self-improvement. You can even continue them after Lent!

7. Donate to Your Local Charity

Lent is the perfect season to give alms to unhoused people on the street. You can also donate to your local charity, whether a nursing home, orphanage, or hospital. Try searching for unique organizations that help protect the environment, fight for social justice, or support church movements.

This loving act is an excellent way to sacrifice something financially while serving something much bigger. You’ll get your money back, but the people you help will thank you for a lifetime.

8. Fast and Abstain

Fasting and abstinence are two different practices during Lent. Fasting involves Christians eating one full but the reduced meal on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. We do this as an act of repentance and motivation to live by God’s Word. 

Meanwhile, abstinence is the act of not consuming meat in your meals. Instead, you can try fish, vegetables, and grains. Remember that these spiritual practices are for Christians aged 14 and up only.