Lent at Home
Lent is a season in the Christian year for repentance, fasting, and preparing for Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and continues for 40 days, not including Sundays, through Holy Saturday (the day before Easter). The practices and ideas on this page can be used throughout Lent. Additional ideas and books are at the bottom of the page. Download the 10 Ways to Observe Lent one page pdf to print and share or post at home.
FAST
- Reduce your screen time, and do something together as a family instead.
- Take one commitment off your calendar, and spend that time resting and enjoying each other’s company.
PRAY
- Pray in Color with these free downloadables.
- Say this Lenten prayer at meals, bedtime, or at the start of the day. “God, getting ready for the mystery of Easter is big work. Help me use this time to learn how to trust and love you, as I share your love with others. Amen.”
LISTEN
- Listen to this Spotify Playlist while you are traveling.
- Practice deep listening with family members by making eye contact, waiting for them to finish speaking before responding, and asking curious questions.
BLESS
- Make a paper chain with 40 links (one for every day except Sunday) with a prayer or service action for the day.
- Bless your family members each day, with this blessing: “God loves you. Christ is with you. The Holy Spirit helps you as we get ready for the mystery of Easter, together.”
ADDITIONAL IDEAS & BOOKS
- Faithful Families for Lent, Easter, & Resurrection by Traci Smith
- Make Room: A Child’s Guide to Lent & Easter by Laura Alary
- Illustrated Ministry resources for Lent (coloring pages, worship resources, family devotionals)
- Lent at Home
- Holy Week at Home
- Digital Lent & Holy Week at home playlists for families
- Draw Near: Lent/Easter Box from A Sacred Home
Collaborators and Creators
Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen
Rio Texas Conference UMC
Rev. Melissa Collier Gepford
Great Plains Conference UMC
Rev. Kathy Pittenger
Michigan Conference UMC
Rev. Christy Miller White
Clarkston UMC/Michigan Conference UMC