Five Things You Can Do For Lent This Year
Lent is the 40-day season of reflection and spiritual preparation leading up to Easter. Observed by Christians around the world, it’s a time to examine your heart, draw closer to God, and prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Whether you’ve observed Lent for years or you’re just learning about it, this guide will walk you through what Lent is, when it starts in 2026, and five practical ways to make this season meaningful.
What Is Lent and Why Do Christians Observe It?
The word “Lent” comes from the Old English lencten, meaning “spring” — the season when days grow longer. Over the centuries, Lent became the name for the period of spiritual preparation before Easter. It’s a time to consider the human condition, the goodness of God, and the love and grace demonstrated on the cross where Jesus laid down His life for ours.
Lent lasts for 40 days, representing the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11). During this period, many Christians observe Lent through prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and abstinence. At the end of the season, Lent points beyond the cross to the resurrection — a promise of hope and new life for those who believe in Jesus.
When Does Lent Start in 2026?
In 2026, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18. Depending on the tradition, it is observed until either Thursday, April 2 or Saturday, April 4 (the day before Easter Sunday).
What Is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It gets its name from the practice of marking a cross on the forehead with ashes as a symbol of mourning and repentance. It’s a day to pause, reflect on our need for God’s grace, and set our hearts toward the Easter season.
What Do People Usually Give Up for Lent?
Traditionally, many Christians give up something for the 40 days of Lent as a form of fasting and self-discipline. Common choices include caffeine, social media, fast food, television, and sweets. The idea isn’t just to go without — it’s to create space in your life to focus more fully on God.
But Lent doesn’t have to be only about giving something up. Many people find it just as powerful to add a new spiritual practice. That’s the focus of the five ideas below.
5 Meaningful Things You Can Do for Lent This Year
Since Lent is about connecting with Jesus and experiencing spiritual growth, consider forming a new habit rather than only giving up an old one. Here are five ways to make the most of this season.
1. Read the Bible Daily
Commit to reading the Bible every day for the next 40 days. This is a powerful way to ground yourself in God’s Word during Lent. Focus on passages about Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection to follow the arc of the Easter story.
Where to start: The Chase Oaks Mobile App offers daily Scripture readings and extra resources to help you grow in your faith. You can also sign up for Biola’s CCCA Lent Project to receive daily reflections that include a Scripture passage, a devotional, a work of art, a poem, and a piece of music.
2. Pray Throughout the Day
Most of us have a set time for prayer — morning or evening. During Lent, try expanding that rhythm by weaving prayer into ordinary moments. Pray before a meeting or a presentation. Pray during your kids’ naptime for patience and peace. Thank God in the middle of the day for specific blessings. Some people find it helpful to set an hourly alarm as a reminder to pause and pray.
Tip: Use the Chase Oaks Mobile App to share prayer requests with your community and pray for the needs of others.
3. Give to a Cause You Care About
Almsgiving — giving to those in need — is one of the three traditional Lenten practices, alongside prayer and fasting. Take some time to research a cause or community you’re passionate about, and find an organization or charity where your donation can make a difference.
Practical idea: If you're also fasting from daily coffee runs or eating out, redirect that money toward a cause you care about. It's a meaningful way to connect your fast with generosity. One place to start right here in our community is the Local Good Collective — a group of nonprofits started by Chase Oaks that meets critical needs across North Texas. From the Local Good Pantry, which feeds over 9,000 neighbors a month in Richardson, to the Local Good Center in Plano, which offers free education, job readiness resources, and advocacy, there are many ways to give and get involved.
4. Practice Random Acts of Kindness
Challenge yourself to 40 days of intentional kindness — or even just a couple of acts per week. Pay for someone’s meal in the drive-thru. Bring coffee for your coworkers. Bake something for a neighbor. Write an encouraging note for a server (and leave a generous tip). Small acts of kindness carry the love of Christ into everyday moments.
Family idea: This is a wonderful Lent activity to do with your kids. Let them help choose and carry out acts of kindness — it teaches generosity and makes the season tangible for young hearts.
5. Find a Place to Serve at Church or in Your Community
Lent is a great time to give your time and talents by serving others. Try joining a team at your church for several weeks — whether that’s in student ministry, hospitality, tech, or communications. Serving is one of the fastest ways to build community and experience spiritual growth.
At Chase Oaks: Check out opportunities to join one of our Dream Teams and use your passions and talents to change the world. We have a team to fit every skillset and schedule!
How Lent Leads to Easter
The 40 days of Lent are not just a countdown — they’re a journey. When Easter Sunday arrives, the joy of the resurrection feels deeper because you’ve spent weeks reflecting on what Jesus did for you. Whether this is your first Lent or your fiftieth, the invitation is the same: draw closer to God, and let this season change you from the inside out.