40 Things to Do in 40 Days of Lent

Lent is more than just a season of sacrifice—it’s a time to grow in faith, reset our hearts, and journey toward Easter with purpose. Inspired by Pope Francis’s 2025 Lenten message, here’s a daily challenge to help you pray, fast, and give in a meaningful way.

Each day has one simple, practical action—so by Easter, you’ll have 40 days of spiritual growth behind you!

Week 1:  Reset Your Heart

🗓️ Day 1 (Ash Wednesday): Attend Mass and reflect on your Lenten commitment.
🗓️ Day 2: Fast from complaining—focus on gratitude instead.
🗓️ Day 3: Pray for someone you struggle to love.
🗓️ Day 4: Put your phone away for an hour and be fully present.
🗓️ Day 5: Read a Gospel passage and journal your thoughts.
🗓️ Day 6: Give up unnecessary spending—redirect that money to charity.
🗓️ Day 7 (Sunday): Rest and enjoy God’s presence without distractions.

Week 2:  Go Deeper in Prayer

🗓️ Day 8: Try a new form of prayer—the Rosary, Lectio Divina, or silent meditation.
🗓️ Day 9: Pray for a different friend or family member every hour today.
🗓️ Day 10: Listen to a Catholic podcast or sermon that inspires you.
🗓️ Day 11: Write down 5 things you’re grateful for and thank God.
🗓️ Day 12: Wake up 15 minutes earlier for quiet time with God.
🗓️ Day 13: Go to Confession—receive God’s mercy.
🗓️ Day 14 (Sunday): Attend Mass with full attention—listen, reflect, and engage.

Week 3:  Fast with Purpose

🗓️ Day 15: Fast from negativity—no complaining, gossiping, or criticizing today.
🗓️ Day 16: Skip unnecessary social media scrolling and use that time to pray.
🗓️ Day 17: Fast from multitasking—be present in each moment.
🗓️ Day 18: Give up junk food or caffeine for the day.
🗓️ Day 19: Say “no” to unnecessary distractions and focus on God’s presence.
🗓️ Day 20: Fast from music or noise for an hour—sit in silence with God.
🗓️ Day 21 (Sunday): Reflect on your Lenten journey so far—what is God revealing to you?

Week 4:  Give with a Joyful Heart

🗓️ Day 22: Donate clothes you don’t wear to someone in need.
🗓️ Day 23: Send a kind message to someone who may need encouragement.
🗓️ Day 24: Volunteer your time—help at church, a shelter, or a community event.
🗓️ Day 25: Buy a meal or coffee for a stranger.
🗓️ Day 26: Forgive someone who hurt you—let go of the burden.
🗓️ Day 27: Surprise someone with an act of kindness.
🗓️ Day 28 (Sunday): Pray for those suffering around the world.

Week 5:  Walk Closer with God

🗓️ Day 29: Read about a saint’s life and learn from their example.
🗓️ Day 30: Attend a weekday Mass if possible.
🗓️ Day 31: Pray the Stations of the Cross—reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice.
🗓️ Day 32: Fast from screens an hour before bed—spend that time with God.
🗓️ Day 33: Pray for those who don’t have faith or have lost hope.
🗓️ Day 34: Write a thank-you letter to God—reflect on His blessings.
🗓️ Day 35 (Sunday): Offer up a struggle in your life and surrender it to God.

Holy Week:  Prepare for Easter

🗓️ Day 36 (Monday): Read the Passion narrative (Matthew 26–27 or John 18–19).
🗓️ Day 37 (Tuesday): Pray for the grace to forgive as Jesus did.
🗓️ Day 38 (Wednesday): Reflect on Jesus washing His disciples’ feet—how can you serve others?
🗓️ Day 39 (Holy Thursday): Attend the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and reflect on the Eucharist.
🗓️ Day 40 (Good Friday): Fast, pray, and meditate on Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

Let this Lent change you

Lent isn’t about temporary sacrifices—it’s about lifelong transformation. If you walk through these 40 days with intention, you’ll arrive at Easter renewed, closer to God, and spiritually stronger.

Challenge: Choose one thing each day—and let this Lent be different.