Lent is a beautiful time to grow in closeness to God and to others. This time can be 40 days of immense spiritual and personal growth, if we are willing to cooperate.
While the specific penances we choose are not ultimately our focus – in the end, it is always about our personal encounter with the passion and mercy of the Lord Jesus – making the effort to change certain habits or attitudes in our lives can be our humble gifts, like the 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread to offer to the Lord. It’s not much, but the Lord is excellent when it comes to multiplication.
As such, we have put together this great list of possible things that you can work on this Lent. Don’t forget to vote on favorites below!
25 Simple Things You Can Do This Lent To Grow Closer To Christ
1) Every time you use social media, pray a Hail Mary
It’s a win-win. By the end of Lent (unless you gave up social media), you will have prayed several rosaries. In addition to staying in touch with your friends, you will also grow closer to the Virgin Mary and in the company of God. Why not offer a Hail Mary for every person you encounter on Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp?
2) Whenever you feel annoyed by a person or situation, offer it to God by praying the Our Father
If it is easy for you to get irritated, it is also easy to pray a Hail Mary or an Our Father. Pray once—just once—and you will see how it can ease some of your tension while also helping the person who needs your prayers.
3) Do not look at your phone while eating or talking with someone
Do you remember what it is like to look someone in the eyes? Spending time with someone does not mean simply occupying the same space. It means being interested in their life, who they are, their joys and sorrows.
4) Attend daily Mass
Sunday Mass is wonderful and obligatory, but daily Mass has something more. Appreciate the empty pews and the sacred silence. It is as if Christ were there just for you.
5) Do not be rude to anyone
The food arrived late. He did not do things the way I like. She does not know how to drive and traffic is terrible. Remember: it is not the end of the world. Breathe, be at peace, and ask: “What would Jesus do in my place?”
6) Every night try to write a list of things you are grateful for
Did you wake up feeling grateful today? Make sure you are paying attention, and do not take what you have for granted.
7) Buy only what is necessary
For just 40 days, you can give up shopping for fun. I promise everything will be fine.
8) Forgive every person who has hurt you
Ask God for help in letting go of the anger tied to the wounds others have caused you. Sometimes we remain stuck in resentment or trauma because we are afraid to confront the pain head-on. But feeding the wound only causes more pain and blocks healing. If we humbly ask God to help us see things through His eyes, with His grace, little by little, we can purify our hearts of old resentments.
9) Each day, accept one of your flaws and thank God for giving you the chance to trust in His strength
Your flaws are an important part of your journey. They help you discover who you are with God and become more understanding and patient with others’ imperfections. Forgive yourself. God already has. To be holy means to seek perfection, but always perfection in love.
10) Be joyful at work
Never forget: joy is a typically Christian virtue. Even when things become difficult or boring at work, a smile and a task done with love can be among the most valuable things in the world.
11) When your friends or family invite you out, say “yes”
Step outside your comfort zone and dedicate time to family and friends. We are often very busy with everything and everyone—except what is essential.
12) Do something that does not involve screens
We spend hours on our phones, computers, tablets, etc. Why not spend time with friends and family doing something different: painting, writing, playing games, walking, telling stories? All of these can be very enjoyable.
13) Pray more! And consider going on a retreat
How about visiting and adoring the Lord daily in the Blessed Sacrament, in the tabernacle or monstrance? Or praying the rosary on your way to school or work? Perhaps you could read a spiritual book or meditate on a Gospel passage from Mass. There are many ways to grow in your spiritual life and friendship with God. Invite your friends to walk with you! Participate in a Lenten retreat without leaving your home. Even if it is hard to step away, making time for a retreat this Lent will greatly strengthen your relationship with the Lord.
14) Visit sick, elderly, or isolated family members
Maybe things are not perfect between you, or perhaps they are not the easiest people in the world. Still, they always need someone beside them. Ask God for time and patience, and remember that almsgiving is not only material or financial. God invites us to give our time and our love.
15) Carry extra food in your bag and give it to someone in need
Think about it: you begin your day with a bag that is always full and heavy. As you walk along, the more you give away, the lighter your load becomes. In this way, we learn that in daily life we must think not only of ourselves but also keep our eyes and hearts open to others.
16) Strengthen your marriage
Even if you have tried a thousand times, your spouse is worth it. Some say charity begins at home. Often we hide behind old excuses: “I don’t know how to start” or “I’m waiting for my spouse to take the first step.” Stop waiting and begin giving more of yourself—with love.
17) Arrive early to all your commitments or classes
Some examinations of conscience mention how we can “steal” other people’s time. Perhaps you are not very respectful of others’ time, or maybe you do not consider your own time important. This Lent, try to change that and recognize that every moment is an opportunity to live out God’s plans.
18) Say “yes” whenever someone asks to borrow something
If it is difficult for you to detach from your possessions or lend them to others, this may be a good opportunity to grow in generosity and detachment.
19) Offer your physical exercise for a problem or person in need
Whether in sprints, Pilates, weightlifting, or push-ups, focus beyond physical health. Strengthen your soul by offering your efforts and discomfort for others. Use this time to remember those who suffer and need our solidarity and support.
20) Be a peacemaker in family disagreements
Speaking louder or mistreating others does not mean you are right. Try listening more and accepting other points of view. Seeking peace is better than proving your opinion is the best.
21) Refrain from making negative comments on social media
Why are we always trying to show others where they are wrong? Have you ever noticed how strangely uncomfortable that feels? We have grown accustomed to doing this online. This Lent, try to “speak” with patience and charity. But remember, the first person with whom you must be patient is yourself.
22) Get rid of false religions, superstitions, New Age objects, and abandon resentment toward God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Resentments toward the Church? Let them go. What better time than now—Lent—to draw close to God? It is time to rid yourself of amulets, superstitions, bad habits, and complaints against the Church. Stop being a part-time Christian or one in name only.
23) If you look at pornography or struggle with addiction: Stop
If you feel that you are slowly falling into pornography, now is the time to stop. Visit websites that help people break this addiction and use internet filters for inappropriate content. Encourage family and friends to do the same.
24) Stop flirting
Being naturally cheerful with those around you is very different from acting as though everyone were a potential romantic interest. Only someone who sees what is beautiful in you—without you needing to show off—is worthy of your romantic attention.
25) Refrain from excessive makeup and jewelry
Sometimes we hide behind our accessories. They make us feel more secure and perhaps more worthy of love. Be discreet and simple. If you have more of these things than you truly need, sell them and buy something to help someone else.
