Ways to Pray During Lent

People are always asking me for ideas for what “things” they can do during Lent to partake in the hallmarks of a Christian life of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. As our Lenten journey is about to begin, I want to focus on the first hallmark: prayer.

There are many ways to pray, but there are a few methods that can really help us spiritually prepare ourselves during Lent.

1. Make your abstinence a prayer-in-action. I remember from my childhood that we as Catholics are supposed to give something up during Lent. That could be candy, TV, video games, etc. Whatever that is for you, make that your prayer-in-action. Whenever you encounter that thing that you are abstaining from, take a moment to say a prayer thanking God for being wholly yourself without this, and at the same time, acknowledging the gift of its existence in this world.

2. Make time for personal prayer. We always hear that Lent is a time of spiritual renewal. There are many resources online that you can take advantage of to help in this area. For example, try a guided meditation, contemplative prayer, or daily Lenten prayer reflections. There are also many spiritual books that can be found at your local library.

3. Pray the Stations of the Cross. This prayer helps us reflect on the passion and death of Christ in preparation for Good Friday and the Easter celebration. Many parishes offer these on every Friday during Lent, and there are also some available online for children.

4. Lectio Divina. Perhaps the oldest method of scriptural prayer known to Christians is lectio divina or “holy reading.” This method of prayer is characterized by the slow reading and consideration of a text from Scripture, with repetition and meditation on key words or phrases. Lectio divina is rooted in the belief that the scriptural word speaks in the human heart as the word of God and can reveal the thoughts of our hearts in response to God. In this way, lectio divina leads to a deeper communion with the Divine.

5. Join or start a prayer group. There are many benefits to praying with others. In group prayer you’re able to offer and experience a positive example, needed support and encouragement, different perspectives, and the inspiration to grow in the Christian life. A simple way to get started is to invite your spouse, a family member, or close friend to pray with you on a regular basis throughout Lent. You can also contact your local parish and inquire about prayer groups or prayer circles being sponsored. Or you may even want to start your own communal prayer group.

6. Pray as a family. I have vivid memories of praying together as a family before dinner during Lent. What a great way to come together as a family with God as the center. It also teaches your children the importance of prayer, and the desire to make it a special time for to gather and give thanks.

7. Start a practice of daily prayer that will continue beyond Lent. Perhaps the best prayer advice is to use Lent as a time to instill prayer habits that will last long after Lent has concluded. That is why we just don’t “give things up” during Lent, but that we try to “do” extra things. The goal is to begin these prayer habits and to continue and grow these habits for the rest of your life. Once you make prayer a daily habit, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Don’t think you have to do all the above.  Maybe choose one or two of these prayer methods and focus on these. Perhaps then you will experience a spiritually transformation on your journey toward Easter that we call Lent.