50 Unique Ideas to Start Doing this Lent

Just as you can give something up for Lent, you can also take something on. This is a great option for those who want to stretch themselves and show God through their charitable actions how much they love Him this Lent.

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Using the pillars of Lent, Almsgiving, Fasting, and Prayer, here are 50 Unique Ideas to Start Doing this Lent!

Almsgiving

Collect loose change in a jar to donate at the end of Lent

Put aside money you would normally spend on something else (i.e. eating out, coffee fix) and give it to a worthy charity

Give to someone you know in need without them knowing it is from you

Give of your time! Tutor for free for a family in need

Collect groceries for the elderly

Make care packages for the homeless and deliver them. Spend time with them in prayer

Volunteer at the church

Donate a bag of stuff everyday of Lent

Donate a bag of stuff that isn’t “stuff you can’t use,” but “stuff you don’t use” so it’s still good quality for those who need it

Make a meal for someone who is sick or a family who just brought home a new baby

Fasting

Give up all drinks but water (yes, including coffee!)

Give up chocolate

Become a vegetarian for all of Lent

Fast from social media

Give up complaining

Stop listening to music in the car (or a specific type of music)

Give up all sweets

No gossiping

Forfeit warm water and take cold showers

Avoid checking your phone during the day or when around other people

Don’t eat out

Give up electricity for one hour per day

Only eat raw foods

Give up putting yourself first and listen to others better

Fast from makeup

Stop using elevators and park the farthest parking spot from the store

Give up using the snooze button on your alarm clock

Stop snacking between meals

Fast from using emojis

Stop texting and call the person instead

Stop ignoring strangers and smile at everyone your meet

Volunteer your time to help the church or homeless shelter

Prayer

Make a list of 40 people in your life and pray for them each day of Lent

Make morning and nightly prayer a habit

Say the rosary daily

Start saying the Divine Mercy Novena at 3 p.m. everyday

Attend daily Mass

Go to Adoration daily

Sacrifice something 10 times per day

Instead of 30 minutes of TV time with 30 extra minutes of devotion/prayer time

Get up early to read the Daily Readings

Write letters to God daily or journal

Do an examination of conscience nightly

Start a novena

Ask for forgiveness from someone you have wronged

Light a candle at church and pray for those dying with sin

Spend time with the elderly talking about Jesus and love

Say the Stations of the Cross

Ask a friend/ family member everyday if you can pray with them

After you talk to someone ask how you can pray for them

Greet people by saying “Peace be with you!” and leave them by saying “God bless you!”

We hope these ideas help you! For more ideas see below: