Have you ever considered what the period of Lent might mean for you? As a time for spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and preparing for the celebration of Easter, it is the perfect time to take stock, reflect and go deeper in your relationship with God. Whether singleness has been a welcome season or a challenge for you in recent times, no matter your relationship situation, Lent allows you to shift your focus from what’s happening in your life to something much bigger.

Here are some ideas on how to mark the Lent season.

1 – Take a photo a day

This could be something small that reminds you of God’s goodness or creativity. It could be a beautiful flower you notice whilst walking down the street, a rainbow, a butterfly, or whatever takes your fancy. The idea is to capture something that brings you back to God and who He is.

2 – Write a gratitude journal

This is useful any time of year, but if you struggle to do it year-round, you could focus on it for Lent. For the forty days, think of something each day that you’re grateful for. It doesn’t have to be something big, either; finding a parking space at the supermarket or getting a seat on the train counts!

3 – Find a devotional to follow

If you’re like me and need some structure for your Bible reading, using a devotional comes in very handy. You might already be using one for the whole year, but why not consider one that covers just a book of the Bible or a particular theme? You can use this Lent period to really lean in and go deeper on a topic that interests you.

4 – Think of something to give up

This is what people typically do for Lent: give up something to help them focus on hearing God more clearly. This could include certain foods, TV, social media, or a habit you’ve long wished you could stop.

5 – Start a prayer diary

Like a gratitude journal, having a prayer diary is a good way to keep track of what you’re praying for and believing God for, and to document answers to prayers over the years. It can be very encouraging especially in those moments when you’re feeling discouraged to look back and see how God has been faithful to you.

6 – Start a Lent group with friends

Doing things on your own can be challenging, and there might be days when you just don’t have the motivation to carry on. So, why not consider a Lent group with friends? You don’t all have to be doing the same thing, but you can check in regularly with each other and keep each other accountable.

7 – Do a prayer walk

We all know that prayer is important, but sometimes it can be difficult to make time out to pray, especially with our busy schedules. The great thing about prayer is that it can be done whenever and wherever. So, consider incorporating prayer into your daily routine, like going for a walk- you get to kill two birds with one stone- pray and get some steps in too!

8 – Hold regular praise and worship sessions

There is something about praising God even when we don’t feel like it, that draws us closer to Him and lifts us out of whatever funk we’re in. You can take out just ten minutes every day for those forty days and worship God. I believe you will come out of it refreshed and renewed.

9 – Share the Gospel with someone that doesn’t know Christ

Lent and Easter are wonderful opportunities to tell people about God. You can be intentional about it by deciding to use the different media available to us to share the Gospel daily; post a daily Bible verse on social media, talk to an unbelieving friend or family member about God, give out tracts or leaflets. Whatever you choose to do, the idea is to use the opportunity to let people know what Jesus did for them.

10 – Find ways to give

Time constraints might not allow us to volunteer regularly but Lent is a great opportunity to reach out to a charity dear to our hearts and give some of our time to them. You can volunteer at your local charity shop, church soup kitchen, or youth club. Of course you can also give in other ways, such as donating your finances or other services.

Whether this is the first time you have considered doing anything specific for Lent before or you regularly mark the season, if you’re thinking about taking some time this season to reflect and draw closer to God, there are lots of rewarding ways to start.

What Lent ideas have you tried?

Want to read more about Lent or looking for Lent ideas? Try ‘5 faith-filled things to start this Lent‘ and ‘This Lent, don’t give up‘