Lenten Resources | 2024
Lent is a part of the Christian church calendar from Ash Wednesday to Easter that commemorates Jesus’ 40 days of fasting and prayer in the desert as He prepared for His public ministry.
Many people who follow Jesus use these 40 days to intentionally draw closer to Jesus, by giving something up or taking something on.
Giving something up is called ‘fasting’ in the Bible, and it often has to do with certain foods. Some people choose to fast from certain foods, like ice cream, alcohol or even meat. Others fast from certain activities, like social media, video games or even complaining. Giving something up can help us recognize their power to distract our attention from God. It can be hard to give it up, but God gives us his presence, power and peace to persevere.
But Lent isn’t only about giving things up. Many people commit to take something on, like specific generosity to the poor, prayer for other nations, or specific Bible reading and reflection during Lent.
We recognize that everyone has diverse interests and needs, so to better serve our growingly diverse community, here are a variety of options for you, your family, or your groups as we begin the Lenten season.
As a church that values community, we invite you to consider asking at least one person in the church to join with you in one of these devotionals or one of the activities below:
For the One Who Needs a Traditional Lenten Devotional
Daily Lent Devotion | Anatomy of the Soul → Lent is a season of preparation for Christ’s death and resurrection. Devotions are a great way to prepare your heart during this important season of reflection. These daily Lent devotions invite you to meditate on the Psalms.
Kate Bowler | Lent Guide for the Individual and the Group → Each daily reading takes about 20 minutes. That includes time to read the assigned scripture, to read that day’s blessing, to reflect on that day’s question, and to pray a closing prayer. There are opportunities to dive deeper into our themes and topics by listening to suggested podcast episodes and reflecting on the songs on our Lenten playlist.
For the One Who Wants to Read Scripture with Others
Fuller’s Communal Reading of Scripture → Fuller Seminary put together a Communal Reading of Scripture, also known as the Public Reading of Scripture, with weekly readings from the Gospel of Luke. Each reading takes less than 20 minutes, and each week’s reading has accompanying commentary and reflection questions and is encouraged to practice WITH others.
Kate Bowler | Lent Guide for the Individual and the Group → Each daily reading takes about 20 minutes. That includes time to read the assigned scripture, to read that day’s blessing, to reflect on that day’s question, and to pray a closing prayer. There are opportunities to dive deeper into our themes and topics by listening to suggested podcast episodes and reflecting on the songs on our Lenten playlist.
For Families with Children
Kids Corner Lenten Guide → Journey towards Easter using this interactive Family Lent Devotion that encourages everyone to grow in faith at home. This is great for kids aged Kindergarten and older.
A Jesus Easter: Explore God’s Amazing Rescue Plan → This resource can be purchaed on Amazon. Each day there is a passage to read together, questions to think about, an explanation and a prayer. There are also age-appropriate application questions, with some for younger children and some for older children, as well as journalling space so that family members can write or draw their own response to what God has shown them.
Dinner Time Devotions → Choose two nights a week throughout the season to gather around the dinner table and talk about Jesus. This flexible plan gives you the freedom you need for your busy days, but still gives you something to anchor your family during this season.