Lent 2025

As we embark on the sacred journey of Lent, it's a time for deep reflection, spiritual growth, and setting meaningful intentions. Many of us, myself included, think about what Lent goals we want to set to make these 40 days truly transformative. It's more than just giving something up; it's about drawing closer to God and becoming a better version of ourselves. So, why set Lent goals? For me, it's about creating a focused period where I intentionally choose practices that nourish my soul and challenge my spirit. It's a chance to break away from habits that don't serve me and cultivate new ones that do. This year, my focus is on truly committing to hear from the Lord, which means making space for His voice in my daily life. When thinking about your own Lent goals, I've found it helpful to consider a few things. First, reflect and pray. What areas of your life could use more spiritual discipline or growth? Is there a habit you want to break, or a virtue you want to cultivate? For example, I'm committing to a short morning workout – even just 10 minutes – to start my day with energy and discipline, then immediately following it with dedicated time with the Word. This structured approach helps me prioritize my spiritual well-being right from the start. Next, make your goals specific and achievable. Instead of a vague 'be more spiritual,' try something like 'spend 15 minutes in scripture each morning' or 'practice daily gratitude.' Another goal I've set, hinted at by my journey for Lent, is cutting out profanity. It's a small but significant change that helps me cultivate a more peaceful and respectful inner dialogue. Thinking about what you might give up? Many, like me, choose to observe no meat on Fridays, a traditional act of sacrifice that helps us remember the bigger picture of Lent. It's also important to consider goals that go beyond simply 'giving up.' While letting go of things like social media, certain foods, or even negative self-talk can be incredibly beneficial, think about what you can take on. This could be committing to daily prayer, volunteering your time, performing acts of kindness, or engaging in a Bible study. Perhaps it’s like my goal to spend time with the Word in the morning, which helps ground my entire day in faith. These 'taking on' goals often create lasting positive habits that extend far beyond the 40 days of Lent. Finally, remember that Lent is a journey, not a sprint. There will be days when you falter, and that's okay. The key is to pick yourself up, recommit, and continue forward with grace. My prayer is that this Lent, we all experience a profound and peaceful journey, deepening our faith and emerging renewed. Stay tuned, because I'm ready to commit, and I hope you are too!