7 Powerful Ways to Deepen Your Faith This Lent (Inspired by Pope Francis)

LENT 2025

As Lent 2025 begins, Pope Francis calls us to embrace a journey of faith, hope, and community. He reminds us that Lent is more than just a season of sacrifice—it’s a time to walk together, grow in faith, and strengthen our relationship with God.

Here are seven simple but powerful ways to live out your faith this Lent:

1. See Lent as a Spiritual Road Trip—Not Just a Set of Rules

Lent isn’t just about giving things up—it’s about moving forward in faith. Pope Francis describes it as a pilgrimage where we reflect on where we are and where God is leading us.

How to do this:

  • Set a Lenten intention (e.g., “I want to grow in patience” or “I want to deepen my prayer life”).
  • Keep a Lenten journal to track your spiritual growth.

 

2. Surround Yourself with a Faith-Filled Community

Lent isn’t meant to be a solo journey. Pope Francis highlights the power of synodality, meaning “walking together” in faith.

How to do this:

  • Join a Lenten Bible study or prayer group.
    Attend Stations of the Cross or a Lenten retreat at your parish.

3. Replace Negativity with the Hope of Scripture

Pope Francis reminds us that hope never disappoints (Romans 5:5). This Lent, replace worry, doubt, or negativity with God’s promises in Scripture.

How to do this:

  • Read a daily Bible verse about hope (e.g., Isaiah 41:10).
  • Memorize one Scripture verse per week and reflect on it.

 

4. Love More, Judge Less—Practice Radical Kindness

Instead of just giving up chocolate, why not give up harsh words, gossip, or impatience? Pope Francis calls us to be people of love and action.

How to do this:

  • Do one unexpected act of kindness daily.
  • Donate to a charity that helps the poor, aligning with almsgiving.

 

5. Make Time for God: Unplug & Pray

Lent is the perfect time to declutter your mind and listen to God’s voice.

How to do this:

  • Try 5 minutes of silent prayer each morning.
  • Disconnect from social media for one hour per day.

6. Fast from What Distracts You—Not Just Food

Fasting isn’t just about food—it’s about letting go of anything that pulls you away from God.

How to do this:

  • Fast from negative self-talk and replace it with gratitude.
  • Reduce time on Netflix, TikTok, or other distractions.

 

7. Say Yes to God—Through Confession & the Eucharist

Want a fresh start? Pope Francis encourages us to renew our relationship with Christ through the Sacraments.

How to do this:

  • Go to Confession at least once before Easter.
  • Attend Mass more frequently—even daily if possible.

 

Lent is Your Invitation to Grow

Lent isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. By embracing these seven practices, you’ll walk closer with Christ and experience a Lent full of grace, growth, and renewal.

What’s one thing you’re doing differently this Lent?