Lent is a season of spiritual renewal, a time to grow closer to Christ through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It’s not just about giving something up—it’s about making space for God, reordering our priorities, and strengthening our discipline so we can more fully live out our faith.
If you’re looking for ways to prepare for Lent, consider picking one or more of these five commitments. Each one is designed to help you grow spiritually, physically, and mentally, keeping Christ at the center of your journey.
1) Spend 10 Minutes a Day Reflecting on John 3:30
John the Baptist’s words in John 3:30—"He must increase, but I must decrease"—perfectly capture the heart of Lent. This season is about surrendering our desires, comforts, and distractions so that Christ can take a greater place in our lives. Also - this has been my FAVORITE Bible verse since college so there's a bit of bias in this suggestion.
Set aside 10 minutes a day to meditate on this verse. Ask yourself:
How can I allow Christ to increase in my life?
What attachments, sins, or distractions need to decrease?
How can I become more like John the Baptist, pointing others to Jesus rather than seeking attention for myself?
You might write your reflections in a journal, pray through them, or simply sit in silence, allowing God to speak to your heart.
2) Set Aside 20 Minutes a Day for Intentional Movement (Including Resistance Training 3 Days a Week)
Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and caring for them is an act of gratitude to God. Moving intentionally each day—whether through walking, stretching, or resistance training—can be a powerful way to honor the body He has given you.
Commit to at least 20 minutes of movement each day, making three of those days focused on strength training. Resistance training not only builds physical resilience but also reinforces spiritual discipline. Just as we challenge our muscles to grow stronger, we challenge our souls through fasting and prayer.
Offer up your workouts as a form of prayer. Before you begin, say, “Lord, I offer this movement to You. Strengthen me physically so I may better serve You.”
3) Spend Fridays Off of Social Media and Unnecessary Technology
Fridays hold special significance during Lent, as we remember Christ’s Passion and sacrifice. One way to make Fridays more prayerful is by stepping away from social media and unnecessary technology.
Use this time to:
Pray the Stations of the Cross
Read Scripture or a spiritual book
Spend quality time with family without distractions
Reflect on Christ’s suffering and how He calls you to deeper conversion
If you usually turn to your phone out of habit, replace that impulse with something spiritually nourishing. Every time you feel the urge to scroll, say a short prayer instead, such as, “Jesus, I trust in You.”
4) Fast from Eating Out and Processed Foods
Fasting is a key part of Lent, helping us detach from comforts and refocus on God. One way to practice fasting is by cutting out processed foods and meals from restaurants.
Why this fast?
It removes excess and helps us embrace simplicity.
It encourages mindful eating and gratitude for God’s provisions.
It reminds us that food is meant to nourish, not to be a source of indulgence.
Instead of eating out, prepare meals at home with wholesome, natural ingredients. Offer up the extra time and effort as a sacrifice, uniting it with Christ’s suffering.
5) Wake Up at 5 AM to Pray and Exercise
Waking up early is a powerful discipline. It carves out time for prayer before the distractions of the day take over and sets the tone for a Christ-centered mindset.
Try waking up at 5 AM during Lent to spend time in prayer and movement. Start with prayer, reading Scripture, or quiet reflection before engaging in exercise. This combination strengthens both body and soul, preparing you to face the day with clarity and purpose.
If 5 AM feels too difficult, start by waking up just 15-30 minutes earlier than usual. Offer up the sacrifice of lost sleep as a way to grow in discipline and love for God.
Embracing the Lenten Journey
Lent is not about perfection but about progress. These commitments are not meant to be burdens but opportunities to draw closer to Christ. If you struggle along the way, remember that each moment of sacrifice and discipline is an offering to God.
By reflecting on John 3:30, engaging in intentional movement, disconnecting from technology on Fridays, fasting from processed foods, and rising early for prayer and exercise, you can make this Lent a transformative season.
Let this be a time where Christ truly increases in your life—so that by Easter, you are renewed in His love and ready to share it with the world.