Lent is the season in the church calendar leading up to Easter during which we give up bad habits, preferences, things we really like but don’t need, etc. and replace them with ways to grow closer to God through self-reflection, more thoughtful/intentional Scripture reading and application, increased and/or focused prayer, and additional dedication to His calling on our lives through acts of His love towards others.
Resources
- Lent Reading Plan calendar PDF, JPEG
- Daily Replay Prayer PDF, JPEG
- Prayer of Examen: Full Walkthrough view video
- Replay Prayer: Quick Walkthrough view video
Daily Replay Prayer
The Daily Replay Prayer is based on the Prayer of Examen by Saint Ignatius and should take about 15-20 minutes. The goal of this prayer is to look back on the day, see how God was moving and present in it, how He is calling us to grow closer to Him by being mindful of our feelings and actions during it, and to center our hearts and minds on the fact He will be present with us in every part of our day tomorrow too.
- Download the Daily Replay Prayer PDF, JPEG
- Prayer of Examen: Full Walkthrough view video
- Replay Prayer: Quick Walkthrough view video
Supplies
- Get a journal/something to write in
- Get something to write with
- Find a quiet place away from distractions
- Write down answers as they come to mind in steps 2-5
1. Become aware of God’s presence
- Breathe (3 sec. in through nose, 3 sec. out through mouth) and relax
- Invite God to be present and think of Him there with each breath
- Repeat breathing and focusing a few times or until calm
2. Review the day with gratitude
- Look back through your day like scenes in a movie
- What happened?
- What were you honestly like?
- What were others doing around you?
- What are good things that happened today?
- What can you give God thanks for?
- Pause for a few moments
3. Pay attention to your emotions
- How did you feel at different points today?
- What moments today were difficult or tense?
- When did you feel happy, excited, or at peace?
- Pause for a few moments
4. Forgive and ask for forgiveness
- Who are you angry or frustrated at?
- Are there things you can forgive and let go of to have peace?
- What would you like to be forgiven for?
- Pause for a few moments
5. Look toward tomorrow
- What are you looking forward to tomorrow and what concerns you?
- What would you like to ask God for help with?
- Ask for God to open your eyes, ears, and heart to see where He is working
- Remember God will be present tomorrow in all things great and small guiding you towards fullness in life
Lent Reading Plan
Download the Lent Reading Plan calendar PDF, JPEG
How to Participate
- Look at the How to Read instructions and read the chapter for each day (see below).
- Follow the Lent Reading Plan for what to read each day (see below).
- Each day you participate, send a text to the Student Ministry phone number or create a post and tag @1335StudentMinistrty with your favorite verse(s) from that day, why those stood out, and what steps you will take to intentionally put them into practice.
Lent Reading Plan Passages
- Day 1: Luke 1
- Day 2: Luke 2
- Day 3: Luke 3
- Day 4: Luke 4
- Day 5: Luke 5
- Day 6: Luke 6
- Day 7: Luke 7
- Day 8: Luke 8
- Day 9: Luke 9
- Day 10: Luke 10
- Day 11: Luke 11
- Day 12: Luke 12
- Day 13: Luke 13
- Day 14: Luke 14
- Day 15: Luke 15
- Day 16: Luke 16
- Day 17: Luke 17
- Day 18: Luke 18
- Day 19: Luke 19
- Day 20: Luke 20
- Day 21: Luke 21
- Day 22: Luke 22
- Day 23: Luke 23
- Day 24: James 1
- Day 25: James 2
- Day 26: James 3
- Day 27: James 4
- Day 28: James 5
- Day 29: 1 John 1
- Day 30: 1 John 2
- Day 31: 1 John 3
- Day 31: 1 John 4
- Day 33: 1 John 5
- Day 34: 2 John 1
- Day 35: 3 John 1
- Day 36: Philippians 1
- Day 37: Philippians 2
- Day 38: Philippians 3
- Day 39: Philippians 4
- Day 40: John 19
How to Read
- PRAYfor God to connect with you in this moment. In prayer, start by slowing down, inviting God to help you understand what this passage means for your life. Clear your mind of all distractions and simply focus on what God wants to accomplish in this moment.
- READ the selected section of Scripture slowly. Read the whole passage first and take note of/write down the words and phrases that stick out to you. Next, read it a second time — pausing at the parts that stick out to you.
- REFLECT on what grabs you. What connections do you see at this point in your life? How might God be speaking to you through these words? What do you think the people this was written to felt when hearing/reading this? What does it mean for your thoughts/actions/words today and in the future?
- REACT to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Make a plan to live out what resonated with you – individually and with your friends/student ministry fam.
Prizes
At the end of the 40 Days of Lent, each student who completed at least 35 days will earn a fidget, plus $20 will be donated to the Elmore County Food Pantry, Elmore County Animal Shelter, or Elmore County Pregnancy Center in your name. If at least 10 students complete 35 days each, we will treat each participating student to a meal at Zaxbys on us!