DAY 1: ASH WEDNESDAY
MEDITATE: 1 Peter 5:6
PRAY: Lord, I am not my own. I am a sinner and I have fallen short of your glory, yet you became a man to die on a cross in my place.Thank you for loving me that much, Jesus! In this season, may I be crucified with Christ so I can truly live.
REFLECT: How am I conforming to culture? What would it look like to follow the way of Jesus instead?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/5:
MEDITATE: Psalm 118:25-26
PRAY: Lord, help me to dive into this season of Lent with intentionality and purpose. I want to know you better, love you more fully, and accept your grace more readily. Draw me closer to you, day by day.
REFLECT: What has been the most meaningful part of this Lenten season for you? What will you remember?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/6:
MEDITATE: 1 Samuel 15:22
PRAY: Lord, I pray that I wouldn’t make Lent about myself this year, but instead about your great love for me through your sacrifice of Jesus. May I focus on your love above all else-- thank you, Jesus, for giving your life for mine.
REFLECT: Where am I focusing my attention?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/7:
MEDITATE: Matthew 4:1-2
PRAY: Jesus, help me to set aside time for worship and reflection in this season of Lent. Help me draw nearer to you and understand you more deeply. May I receive the overwhelming graces you have to offer me, today and everyday.
REFLECT: How can I honor the sacrifice of Jesus through my life?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAY 5: SUNDAY - GRACE DAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/9:
MEDITATE: Mark 1:12-13
PRAY: Jesus, focus my heart and my mind on what you endured for me. Everything you did, you did for the salvation of all mankind-- I am eternally grateful. I am in awe of you, Lord. Thank you for the cross.
REFLECT: How can I be more cognizant of the cross today?
3/10:
MEDITATE: Matthew 6:1
PRAY: Lord, may I be gracious toward all who choose to observe Lent, and all those who don’t. May I be cautious in how I share about my Lenten practices this month, avoiding hypocrisy and choosing love for me neighbors above all else.
REFLECT: Why am I sharing this thought or desire in this season of Lent?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/11:
MEDITATE: Philippians 3:10-11
PRAY: Lord, in these next 40 days, help me to focus on you above all else. Show me how I can be your hands and feet in my community-- may I live out my faith in this season in new ways that give you glory.
REFLECT: What can I do this Lenten season to focus on Christ?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/12:
MEDITATE: Luke 13:3
PRAY: God, thank you for not expecting perfection from me. You know I make mistakes, and that ’s why you sent Jesus to save me from all of my skins. Here I am, Lord, trying again, despite all the times I have fallen short. Thank you for your grace.
REFLECT: When and why have I been tempted to “give up” on Lent? How can I try again?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/13:
MEDITATE: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
PRAY: I’m sorry Jesus. I let you down. It was the least I could do to give up a menial thing like sweet treats and I failed. But, today I feel a renewed sense of grace that ’s been missing from my heart for a while. Thank you, Lord...
REFLECT: How can I renew my commitment today to daily approach the throne of grace and humbly receive forgiveness, awareness,assurance, and words of encouragement and direction?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/14:
MEDITATE: Psalm 35:13
PRAY: Lord, as I fast over these few weeks, may it be less about selfish gain and more about selfless worship. Help me to shift my focus away from myself and more toward you, Jesus.
REFLECT: What are you choosing to fast from? How is fasting helping you focus on Jesus?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAY 12: SUNDAY - GRACE DAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/16:
MEDITATE: Psalm 42:1
PRAY: God, shine a light on the areas of my life where I have selfish motives that draw my attention away from you. Strengthen me as I fast from those things and instead prioritize you.
REFLECT: Do you need a fresh infusion of grace? Do you want to realize more of God’s Spirit? Do you want to feel more joy? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/17
MEDITATE: Colossians 3:1-5a
PRAY: Lord, help me to fight against my sin with your strength. I know that I have already been accepted in Christ, and that one day I will be fully conformed to your glorious image once and for all. Thank you that real change is possible today in you.
REFLECT: In what areas of my life am I most tempted to sin? How can I actively fight against those temptations?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/18:
MEDITATE: 2 Corinthians 5:17
PRAY: Lord, do your resurrection work in me. Transform my heart and my life into one that gives you glory and praise in every way. Pull me deeper and bring me closer to your heart.
REFLECT: Why is it important for you to observe Lent rather than just go straight to celebrating Easter?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/19:
MEDITATE: Mark 7:7-9
PRAY: Lord, open my eyes to new ways that I can remove distractions from my life in order to see and know you better. Help me to be creative in the choices I make, as I seek to discover more of who you are without anything in the way.
REFLECT: What unusual ways could you consider to shake things up in your faith?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/20:
MEDITATE: Matthew 6:16
PRAY: Lord, remind me of my frailty and continual need for grace. I rejoice that my appetite for sin has been forgiven and will one day be erased! I want to focus on you through all fasting in this season and beyond.
REFLECT: How can you give God glory in this season, whether you eat or fast?
3/21:
MEDITATE: Colossians 1:27
PRAY: Lord, I pray that focusing on contentment with who you designed me to be for forty days would help me to relish in the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection more. He died so that I could have a full an abundant life, not so that I could hide and cower. I pray that I realize more than I do now that Jesus is in the Father, I am in Christ, and Christ is in me.
REFLECT: How are you finding contentment in Christ in this season?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAY 19: SUNDAY - GRACE DAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/23:
MEDITATE: John 20:17
PRAY: Lord, help me to have a world view that is big enough to include all that the resurrection means, for me, for the church, and for man kind everywhere, for all time. Thank you that the resurrection is not just a personal reality, but a cosmic reality.
REFLECT: How do you see the resurrection playing our in your life and on a broader scale?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/24:
MEDITATE: Acts 10:2
PRAY: Lord, I want to celebrate this season with my whole family. Show me ways we can draw near to you together this year in worship and adoration, as well as celebration and joy.
REFLECT: How can we celebrate this season as a family? How can I engage my family members in new ways this year? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/25:
MEDITATE: Romans 5:8
PRAY: Redeemer, Lamb of God, he is worthy. Thank you for the Cross, Lord.
REFLECT: How does the cross affect your life, your hurt, your sin, your debt?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/26:
MEDITATE: John 3:16
PRAY: Lord, you are true to your word. You have always been faithful and you will continue to be faithful. Thank you for fulfilling every promise you made. You are trustworthy and good.
REFLECT: What does it mean for us today that these prophecies were fulfilled by Christ?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/27:
MEDITATE: Mark 15:3
PRAY: Jesus, you were scorned, beaten, mocked, and crucified for our sake. We cannot thank you enough for enduring such cruelty for the sake of our salvation. You are God’s one and only Son, the greatest sacrifice, our Savior and Redeemer. We praise you and thank you with all we are.
REFLECT: Think about what it means for you that Jesus is the Son of God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/28:
MEDITATE: Psalm 110:1, Daniel 7:13
PRAY: Jesus, we pray that you would open our hearts and minds to understand more of the cultural and historical contexts of your life,your death, and your resurrection. Help us to gain greater understanding as we look at what it all meant for the world then and now.
REFLECT: Consider the ways Jesus was challenging the leaders of the time. Consider the political and social consequences of his claims,and consider how his death and resurrection changed the world forever.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAY 26: SUNDAY - GRACE DAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/30:
MEDITATE: Romans 10:6-7
PRAY: Jesus, help me to not fear death, for I know that you have gone ahead and made a way for me into eternal life. I choose today to accept again your great gift of life eternal in heaven with you, and pray that you would give me confidence for every step of my journey until then.
REFLECT: What does the death and resurrection of Jesus mean for your own eternity?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/31:
MEDITATE: Micah 7:8
PRAY: Lord, in the dark seasons of my life, shine your light. When I am doubting, remind me of who you are. When I am weary,bring me peace. When I am restless, may I find my rest in you. You are the victory-- hallelujah!
REFLECT: How have you seen Christ meet you in your dark days?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/1:
MEDITATE: Acts 4:33
PRAY: Jesus, I don’t want to forget about Easter once the calendar changes. Help me to keep the cross in mind daily -- it changes everything and I never want to forget the life-changing and beautiful impact of salvation in my life and in our world.
REFLECT: Brainstorm ways you can keep celebrating the spirit of Easter after Resurrection Sunday.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/2:
PRAY: Jesus, I believe you are the one true Savior. I believe you conquered death to bring us into eternal life with you. In the times when I am tempted to doubt that you truly died and rose again, remind me of your truth.
REFLECT: What confirms for you that Christ is the Risen Lord?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/3:
MEDITATE: John 20:11-18
PRAY: Jesus, your resurrection power is more mighty than we could ever imagine. I am so thankful that resurrection changes everything about the world around me-- you are with us now and forevermore.
REFLECT: How does the resurrection change your outlook on your circumstances?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/4:
MEDITATE: John 13
PRAY: Lord, I want to follow you. I want to do what you did, love like you loved. Help me to see opportunities to love the people around me well, to serve other, and to be gracious unto them.
REFLECT: How do others around you know that you are a follower of Christ?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAY 33: SUNDAY - GRACE DAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/6:
MEDITATE: Zechariah 9:9
PRAY: Lord, thank you for the deeper meaning of this day. Thank you that bunnies and colorful eggs are not all that this Easter is about--thank you that it ’s all about so much more. Help us to shift our eyes from what the world says to celebrate, to what you have done for us.
REFLECT: How have you made Easter about worldly things? How can you turn your focus back to Christ?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/7:
MEDITATE: 1 Corinthians 11:24
PRAY: Jesus, thank you for going on a rescue mission to save me. Thank you for bring me back to life so sin and death are not the end of my story. In this season, I’m reminded of my need for you-- thank you, Jesus.
REFLECT: How can you carve out time and space for remembrance, repentance, and resurrection in this season?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/8:
MEDITATE: Luke 22-24
PRAY: Father, help me see the Easter story through fresh eyes. Reveal yourself to me in new ways. Show me how I can be a bold,courageous, faithful disciple who loves and serves you well. In Jesus’ name I ask, Amen.
REFLECT: Take time to read the Easter story with an eye for the marginalized and obscure.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/9:
MEDITATE: 1 Peter 5:7
PRAY: Lord, sometimes I admit I feel far from you and disconnected from your heart. In this season, remind me of what is true. Speak louder than the lies. I want to celebrate that you are risen, powerful, and in control of all things.
REFLECT: Ask a friend to pray for you and with you in this season.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/10:
MEDITATE: Matthew 26:17-30
PRAY: Jesus, we, like your disciples, have denied and betrayed you. We have doubted you and deserted you. We have failed to live perfectly like you showed us, yet you love us anyway. Thank you, Jesus. We are undeserving of your grace and your sacrifice.
REFLECT: How has the Lord transformed you?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/11
MEDITATE: Mark 14-16
PRAY: Lord Jesus, you are the only one who is truly holy. As this Holy Week begins, still our hearts and our minds and allow us to enter into your presence. We want to wholly reflect on you this week as we follow your journey to the cross.
REFLECT: Prayerfully think on the events described in this passage and their deep and life-changing meaning for each of us.
MEDITATE: 1 Peter 5:6
PRAY: Lord, I am not my own. I am a sinner and I have fallen short of your glory, yet you became a man to die on a cross in my place.Thank you for loving me that much, Jesus! In this season, may I be crucified with Christ so I can truly live.
REFLECT: How am I conforming to culture? What would it look like to follow the way of Jesus instead?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/5:
MEDITATE: Psalm 118:25-26
PRAY: Lord, help me to dive into this season of Lent with intentionality and purpose. I want to know you better, love you more fully, and accept your grace more readily. Draw me closer to you, day by day.
REFLECT: What has been the most meaningful part of this Lenten season for you? What will you remember?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/6:
MEDITATE: 1 Samuel 15:22
PRAY: Lord, I pray that I wouldn’t make Lent about myself this year, but instead about your great love for me through your sacrifice of Jesus. May I focus on your love above all else-- thank you, Jesus, for giving your life for mine.
REFLECT: Where am I focusing my attention?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/7:
MEDITATE: Matthew 4:1-2
PRAY: Jesus, help me to set aside time for worship and reflection in this season of Lent. Help me draw nearer to you and understand you more deeply. May I receive the overwhelming graces you have to offer me, today and everyday.
REFLECT: How can I honor the sacrifice of Jesus through my life?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAY 5: SUNDAY - GRACE DAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/9:
MEDITATE: Mark 1:12-13
PRAY: Jesus, focus my heart and my mind on what you endured for me. Everything you did, you did for the salvation of all mankind-- I am eternally grateful. I am in awe of you, Lord. Thank you for the cross.
REFLECT: How can I be more cognizant of the cross today?
3/10:
MEDITATE: Matthew 6:1
PRAY: Lord, may I be gracious toward all who choose to observe Lent, and all those who don’t. May I be cautious in how I share about my Lenten practices this month, avoiding hypocrisy and choosing love for me neighbors above all else.
REFLECT: Why am I sharing this thought or desire in this season of Lent?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/11:
MEDITATE: Philippians 3:10-11
PRAY: Lord, in these next 40 days, help me to focus on you above all else. Show me how I can be your hands and feet in my community-- may I live out my faith in this season in new ways that give you glory.
REFLECT: What can I do this Lenten season to focus on Christ?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/12:
MEDITATE: Luke 13:3
PRAY: God, thank you for not expecting perfection from me. You know I make mistakes, and that ’s why you sent Jesus to save me from all of my skins. Here I am, Lord, trying again, despite all the times I have fallen short. Thank you for your grace.
REFLECT: When and why have I been tempted to “give up” on Lent? How can I try again?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/13:
MEDITATE: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
PRAY: I’m sorry Jesus. I let you down. It was the least I could do to give up a menial thing like sweet treats and I failed. But, today I feel a renewed sense of grace that ’s been missing from my heart for a while. Thank you, Lord...
REFLECT: How can I renew my commitment today to daily approach the throne of grace and humbly receive forgiveness, awareness,assurance, and words of encouragement and direction?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/14:
MEDITATE: Psalm 35:13
PRAY: Lord, as I fast over these few weeks, may it be less about selfish gain and more about selfless worship. Help me to shift my focus away from myself and more toward you, Jesus.
REFLECT: What are you choosing to fast from? How is fasting helping you focus on Jesus?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAY 12: SUNDAY - GRACE DAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/16:
MEDITATE: Psalm 42:1
PRAY: God, shine a light on the areas of my life where I have selfish motives that draw my attention away from you. Strengthen me as I fast from those things and instead prioritize you.
REFLECT: Do you need a fresh infusion of grace? Do you want to realize more of God’s Spirit? Do you want to feel more joy? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/17
MEDITATE: Colossians 3:1-5a
PRAY: Lord, help me to fight against my sin with your strength. I know that I have already been accepted in Christ, and that one day I will be fully conformed to your glorious image once and for all. Thank you that real change is possible today in you.
REFLECT: In what areas of my life am I most tempted to sin? How can I actively fight against those temptations?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/18:
MEDITATE: 2 Corinthians 5:17
PRAY: Lord, do your resurrection work in me. Transform my heart and my life into one that gives you glory and praise in every way. Pull me deeper and bring me closer to your heart.
REFLECT: Why is it important for you to observe Lent rather than just go straight to celebrating Easter?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/19:
MEDITATE: Mark 7:7-9
PRAY: Lord, open my eyes to new ways that I can remove distractions from my life in order to see and know you better. Help me to be creative in the choices I make, as I seek to discover more of who you are without anything in the way.
REFLECT: What unusual ways could you consider to shake things up in your faith?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/20:
MEDITATE: Matthew 6:16
PRAY: Lord, remind me of my frailty and continual need for grace. I rejoice that my appetite for sin has been forgiven and will one day be erased! I want to focus on you through all fasting in this season and beyond.
REFLECT: How can you give God glory in this season, whether you eat or fast?
3/21:
MEDITATE: Colossians 1:27
PRAY: Lord, I pray that focusing on contentment with who you designed me to be for forty days would help me to relish in the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection more. He died so that I could have a full an abundant life, not so that I could hide and cower. I pray that I realize more than I do now that Jesus is in the Father, I am in Christ, and Christ is in me.
REFLECT: How are you finding contentment in Christ in this season?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAY 19: SUNDAY - GRACE DAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/23:
MEDITATE: John 20:17
PRAY: Lord, help me to have a world view that is big enough to include all that the resurrection means, for me, for the church, and for man kind everywhere, for all time. Thank you that the resurrection is not just a personal reality, but a cosmic reality.
REFLECT: How do you see the resurrection playing our in your life and on a broader scale?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/24:
MEDITATE: Acts 10:2
PRAY: Lord, I want to celebrate this season with my whole family. Show me ways we can draw near to you together this year in worship and adoration, as well as celebration and joy.
REFLECT: How can we celebrate this season as a family? How can I engage my family members in new ways this year? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/25:
MEDITATE: Romans 5:8
PRAY: Redeemer, Lamb of God, he is worthy. Thank you for the Cross, Lord.
REFLECT: How does the cross affect your life, your hurt, your sin, your debt?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/26:
MEDITATE: John 3:16
PRAY: Lord, you are true to your word. You have always been faithful and you will continue to be faithful. Thank you for fulfilling every promise you made. You are trustworthy and good.
REFLECT: What does it mean for us today that these prophecies were fulfilled by Christ?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/27:
MEDITATE: Mark 15:3
PRAY: Jesus, you were scorned, beaten, mocked, and crucified for our sake. We cannot thank you enough for enduring such cruelty for the sake of our salvation. You are God’s one and only Son, the greatest sacrifice, our Savior and Redeemer. We praise you and thank you with all we are.
REFLECT: Think about what it means for you that Jesus is the Son of God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/28:
MEDITATE: Psalm 110:1, Daniel 7:13
PRAY: Jesus, we pray that you would open our hearts and minds to understand more of the cultural and historical contexts of your life,your death, and your resurrection. Help us to gain greater understanding as we look at what it all meant for the world then and now.
REFLECT: Consider the ways Jesus was challenging the leaders of the time. Consider the political and social consequences of his claims,and consider how his death and resurrection changed the world forever.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAY 26: SUNDAY - GRACE DAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/30:
MEDITATE: Romans 10:6-7
PRAY: Jesus, help me to not fear death, for I know that you have gone ahead and made a way for me into eternal life. I choose today to accept again your great gift of life eternal in heaven with you, and pray that you would give me confidence for every step of my journey until then.
REFLECT: What does the death and resurrection of Jesus mean for your own eternity?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/31:
MEDITATE: Micah 7:8
PRAY: Lord, in the dark seasons of my life, shine your light. When I am doubting, remind me of who you are. When I am weary,bring me peace. When I am restless, may I find my rest in you. You are the victory-- hallelujah!
REFLECT: How have you seen Christ meet you in your dark days?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/1:
MEDITATE: Acts 4:33
PRAY: Jesus, I don’t want to forget about Easter once the calendar changes. Help me to keep the cross in mind daily -- it changes everything and I never want to forget the life-changing and beautiful impact of salvation in my life and in our world.
REFLECT: Brainstorm ways you can keep celebrating the spirit of Easter after Resurrection Sunday.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/2:
PRAY: Jesus, I believe you are the one true Savior. I believe you conquered death to bring us into eternal life with you. In the times when I am tempted to doubt that you truly died and rose again, remind me of your truth.
REFLECT: What confirms for you that Christ is the Risen Lord?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/3:
MEDITATE: John 20:11-18
PRAY: Jesus, your resurrection power is more mighty than we could ever imagine. I am so thankful that resurrection changes everything about the world around me-- you are with us now and forevermore.
REFLECT: How does the resurrection change your outlook on your circumstances?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/4:
MEDITATE: John 13
PRAY: Lord, I want to follow you. I want to do what you did, love like you loved. Help me to see opportunities to love the people around me well, to serve other, and to be gracious unto them.
REFLECT: How do others around you know that you are a follower of Christ?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAY 33: SUNDAY - GRACE DAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/6:
MEDITATE: Zechariah 9:9
PRAY: Lord, thank you for the deeper meaning of this day. Thank you that bunnies and colorful eggs are not all that this Easter is about--thank you that it ’s all about so much more. Help us to shift our eyes from what the world says to celebrate, to what you have done for us.
REFLECT: How have you made Easter about worldly things? How can you turn your focus back to Christ?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/7:
MEDITATE: 1 Corinthians 11:24
PRAY: Jesus, thank you for going on a rescue mission to save me. Thank you for bring me back to life so sin and death are not the end of my story. In this season, I’m reminded of my need for you-- thank you, Jesus.
REFLECT: How can you carve out time and space for remembrance, repentance, and resurrection in this season?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/8:
MEDITATE: Luke 22-24
PRAY: Father, help me see the Easter story through fresh eyes. Reveal yourself to me in new ways. Show me how I can be a bold,courageous, faithful disciple who loves and serves you well. In Jesus’ name I ask, Amen.
REFLECT: Take time to read the Easter story with an eye for the marginalized and obscure.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/9:
MEDITATE: 1 Peter 5:7
PRAY: Lord, sometimes I admit I feel far from you and disconnected from your heart. In this season, remind me of what is true. Speak louder than the lies. I want to celebrate that you are risen, powerful, and in control of all things.
REFLECT: Ask a friend to pray for you and with you in this season.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/10:
MEDITATE: Matthew 26:17-30
PRAY: Jesus, we, like your disciples, have denied and betrayed you. We have doubted you and deserted you. We have failed to live perfectly like you showed us, yet you love us anyway. Thank you, Jesus. We are undeserving of your grace and your sacrifice.
REFLECT: How has the Lord transformed you?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/11
MEDITATE: Mark 14-16
PRAY: Lord Jesus, you are the only one who is truly holy. As this Holy Week begins, still our hearts and our minds and allow us to enter into your presence. We want to wholly reflect on you this week as we follow your journey to the cross.
REFLECT: Prayerfully think on the events described in this passage and their deep and life-changing meaning for each of us.
