Embrace the Power of Lent: A Journey to Spiritual Renewal

Lent is here. Are you ready to embark on a journey of spiritual renewal? This year, let's go beyond giving up chocolate or social media. Let's rediscover the ancient practices that have shaped Christians for centuries – prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

I've created a Lenten calendar to guide you through a powerful 40-day experience. Each day includes:

Historically accurate fasting guidelines: Rediscover the discipline of early Christians.
Daily Bible readings: Delve into Scripture and encounter God's Word in a fresh way.
Guided prayers: Deepen your prayer life with prayers of meditation, forgiveness, and gratitude.
A daily mantra: Focus your heart and mind on the true meaning of Lent daily.

Lent isn't about deprivation; it's about intentionality. It's about creating space in your life for God to work. It's about encountering the transformative power of the cross and the resurrection.

Lenten Calendar 2025: Lord, grant me a humble and contrite heart.

Ash Wednesday (March 5th)

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Joel 2:12-17 - A call to repentance and turning back to God.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 5th, help me to see your presence in the silence. Guide my thoughts to your love and mercy.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for my shortcomings and sins. Help me to forgive those who have wronged me, and to extend your grace to all. March 5th.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the blessings of this day. I am grateful for your love, your provision, and the opportunities for growth. March 5th.

Thursday, March 6th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Isaiah 58:1-12 - True fasting and pleasing God.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 6th, help me to see your presence in the silence. Guide my thoughts to your love and mercy.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for my shortcomings and sins. Help me to forgive those who have wronged me, and to extend your grace to all. March 6th.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the blessings of this day. I am grateful for your love, your provision, and the opportunities for growth. March 6th.

Friday, March 7th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day. No meat or dairy.
Bible Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 - Practicing piety in secret, not for show.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 7th, help me to see your presence in the silence. Guide my thoughts to your love and mercy.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for my shortcomings and sins. Help me to forgive those who have wronged me, and to extend your grace to all. March 7th.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the blessings of this day. I am grateful for your love, your provision, and the opportunities for growth. March 7th.

Saturday, March 8th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Psalm 51:1-17 - David's plea for forgiveness and cleansing.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 8th, help me to see your presence in the silence. Guide my thoughts to your love and mercy.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for my shortcomings and sins. Help me to forgive those who have wronged me, and to extend your grace to all. March 8th.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the blessings of this day. I am grateful for your love, your provision, and the opportunities for growth. March 8th.

Sunday, March 9th

Dietary Restriction: One main meal and two small meals.
Bible Reading: John 3:1-17 - Nicodemus and the new birth.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 9th, help me to see your presence in the silence. Guide my thoughts to your love and mercy.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for my shortcomings and sins. Help me to forgive those who have wronged me, and to extend your grace to all. March 9th.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the blessings of this day. I am grateful for your love, your provision, and the opportunities for growth. March 9th.

Monday, March 10th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Luke 4:1-13 - Jesus tempted in the wilderness.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 10th, help me to resist temptation and remain faithful to you. Guide my thoughts to your strength and power, which sustain me in times of trial.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have given in to temptation. Help me to rely on your grace and to overcome the challenges I face.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your presence with me in every temptation. I am grateful for your strength, which empowers me to resist evil and choose good.

Tuesday, March 11th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-11 - Peace with God through Jesus Christ.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 11th, help me to experience your peace, which surpasses all understanding. Guide my thoughts to your love and mercy, which reconcile me to you.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, thank you for the gift of reconciliation through your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive me for the times I have allowed sin to separate me from you.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the peace that you offer me, even in the midst of life's storms. I am grateful for your love, which bridges the gap between us and brings me into your presence.

Wednesday, March 12th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 - The greatest of these is love.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 12th, help me to grow in love. Guide my thoughts to your perfect love, which is patient, kind, and selfless.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have failed to love others as you have loved me. Help me to be more patient, kind, and forgiving.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the gift of love. I am grateful for your love, which is the source of all goodness and truth.

Thursday, March 13th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Galatians 5:16-26 - Living by the Spirit.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 13th, help me to be filled with your Holy Spirit. Guide my thoughts to the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have grieved your Holy Spirit. Help me to live in obedience to your will and to bear the fruits of the Spirit in my life.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. I am grateful for the Spirit's presence in my life, guiding, comforting, and empowering me.

Friday, March 14th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day. No meat or dairy.
Bible Reading: John 15:1-17 - I am the vine; you are the branches.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 14th, help me to abide in you. Guide my thoughts to your words: "Apart from me, you can do nothing."
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have tried to live my life apart from you. Help me to remain connected to you, the true vine, so that I may bear much fruit.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your life-giving presence in my life. I am grateful for your promise to answer my prayers when I abide in you.

Saturday, March 15th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Psalm 130:1-8 - Awaiting the Lord's redemption.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 15th, help me to wait patiently for your redemption. Guide my thoughts to your promises, which are sure and steadfast.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have grown impatient and discouraged. Help me to trust in your timing and to wait with hope for your deliverance.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your faithfulness. I am grateful for your promises, which give me hope and sustain me in times of waiting.

Sunday, March 16th

Dietary Restriction: One main meal and two small meals.
Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1-12 - The Beatitudes.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 16th, help me to live according to the Beatitudes. Guide my thoughts to the blessings that come from being poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungering for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemaking, and persecuted for righteousness' sake.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have pursued worldly happiness instead of the true happiness that comes from following you.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the example of your Son, who lived the Beatitudes perfectly. I am grateful for the blessings that come from following in his footsteps.

Monday, March 17th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Mark 8:31-38 - Taking up your cross and following Jesus.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 17th, help me to understand the cost of discipleship. Guide my thoughts to your call to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow you.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have been unwilling to sacrifice for you. Help me to embrace the challenges of discipleship and to follow you wholeheartedly.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the example of your Son, who willingly gave his life for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to follow in his footsteps, even when it is difficult.

Tuesday, March 18th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Philippians 2:1-11 - Humility and the example of Christ.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 18th, help me to cultivate humility. Guide my thoughts to the example of your Son, who humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have been proud and self-centered. Help me to put others first and to serve them with humility and love.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the example of your Son, who showed us the true meaning of humility. I am grateful for the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and to become more like him.

Wednesday, March 19th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Colossians 3:1-17 - Setting your mind on things above.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 19th, help me to set my mind on things above, where you are seated at the right hand of the Father. Guide my thoughts to your kingdom and your righteousness.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have allowed worldly concerns to consume my thoughts and affections. Help me to focus on the things that are eternal and to seek your kingdom first.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the hope of heaven, where I will be with you forever. I am grateful for the promise of eternal life, which gives me purpose and meaning in this life.

Thursday, March 20th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: 1 John 4:7-21 - God is love.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 20th, help me to understand the depth of your love. Guide my thoughts to your perfect love, which casts out all fear.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have doubted your love for me. Help me to experience your love fully and to share it with others.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your unconditional love, which never fails. I am grateful for your love, which is the source of all joy and peace.

Friday, March 21st

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day. No meat or dairy.
Bible Reading: Luke 15:1-32 - The parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 21st, help me to understand your boundless mercy. Guide my thoughts to your compassion for sinners, which is revealed in the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have wandered away from you. Thank you for your love and mercy, which always welcome me back.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your forgiveness, which is freely given to all who repent. I am grateful for your love, which seeks and saves the lost.

Saturday, March 22nd

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Lamentations 3:1-24, 31-33 - The Lord's compassion and faithfulness.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 22nd, help me to trust in your compassion and faithfulness. Guide my thoughts to your promises, which are sure and steadfast, even in the midst of suffering.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have doubted your goodness and love. Help me to trust in your plan for my life, even when I don't understand it.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your unwavering faithfulness, even when I am unfaithful. I am grateful for your compassion, which never fails.

Sunday, March 23rd

Dietary Restriction: One main meal and two small meals.
Bible Reading: Romans 8:1-17 - Life in the Spirit.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 23rd, help me to live in the Spirit. Guide my thoughts to the freedom and joy that come from being led by your Spirit.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have quenched your Spirit and resisted your will. Help me to be sensitive to the Spirit's leading and to walk in obedience to you.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, who dwells within me. I am grateful for the Spirit's guidance, comfort, and power.

Monday, March 24th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Matthew 6:19-34 - Do not worry.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 24th, help me to overcome worry and anxiety. Guide my thoughts to your providence and care, which sustain me in every circumstance.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have allowed worry and fear to control my life. Help me to trust in your provision and to cast all my cares on you.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your constant care and provision. I am grateful for your love, which surrounds me and protects me.

Tuesday, March 25th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 - Living in the light.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 25th, help me to live in the light of your truth. Guide my thoughts to your Word, which illuminates my path and directs my steps.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have walked in darkness and stumbled in my ways. Help me to live in the light of your love and to follow your guidance.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the light of your truth, which shines in the darkness. I am grateful for your Word, which guides me to eternal life.

Wednesday, March 26th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: James 1:1-18 - Trials and temptations.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 26th, help me to endure trials and temptations with patience and perseverance. Guide my thoughts to your strength and wisdom, which sustain me in times of difficulty.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have given in to temptation and doubted your goodness. Help me to learn from my mistakes and to grow stronger in my faith.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the trials and temptations that you allow in my life. I am grateful for the opportunities they provide for growth and maturity.

Thursday, March 27th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2:1-10 - Living stones and a holy nation.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 27th, help me to live as a living stone in your spiritual house. Guide my thoughts to your purpose for my life, which is to be a part of your holy nation and a royal priesthood.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have failed to live up to my calling as your child. Help me to be a holy and blameless person, reflecting your glory to the world.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for choosing me to be your child and for making me a part of your kingdom. I am grateful for the privilege of serving you and representing you to the world.

Friday, March 28th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day. No meat or dairy.
Bible Reading: Matthew 27:1-66 - The crucifixion of Jesus.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 28th, help me to grasp the enormity of your sacrifice on the cross. Guide my thoughts to your suffering and death, which you endured for my salvation.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for my sins, which nailed your Son to the cross. Help me to appreciate the depth of your love and the cost of my redemption.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the immeasurable gift of your Son, who gave his life for me. I am grateful for his suffering, which brought me forgiveness and eternal life.

Saturday, March 29th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Psalm 22:1-31 - My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 29th, help me to enter into your suffering on the cross. Guide my thoughts to your cry of dereliction, which expresses the depth of your anguish and your separation from the Father.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have felt abandoned and alone. Help me to remember that you are always with me, even in my darkest moments.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your presence with me in every trial. I am grateful for your love, which never leaves me nor forsakes me.

Sunday, March 30th

Dietary Restriction: One main meal and two small meals.
Bible Reading: John 20:1-18 - The resurrection of Jesus.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 30th, help me to rejoice in your glorious resurrection. Guide my thoughts to your victory over sin and death, which has opened the way to eternal life for all who believe.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, I rejoice in the forgiveness of sins that your Son's resurrection has made possible. Help me to live in the freedom of your grace and to extend forgiveness to others.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the gift of eternal life, which you have given me through the resurrection of your Son. I am grateful for the joy and hope that fill my heart today. Alleluia!

Monday, March 31st

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Acts 2:1-13 - The coming of the Holy Spirit.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, March 31st, help me to be filled with your Holy Spirit. Guide my thoughts to the power and presence of the Spirit, who empowers your people to be your witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have quenched your Spirit and resisted your will. Help me to be sensitive to the Spirit's leading and to walk in obedience to you.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, who dwells within me and empowers me to live for you.

Tuesday, April 1st

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10 - Made alive in Christ.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, April 1st, help me to remember that I was once dead in my trespasses and sins, but you have made me alive in Christ. Guide my thoughts to your grace, which has saved me and given me new life.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, thank you for your grace, which has rescued me from the dominion of sin and death. Forgive me for the times I have forgotten the depth of your love and mercy.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the gift of salvation, which you have freely given to me through your Son, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for your love, which has redeemed me and given me new life.

Wednesday, April 2nd

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Philippians 4:4-9 - Rejoice in the Lord always.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, April 2nd, help me to rejoice in you always. Guide my thoughts to your goodness and faithfulness, which are a source of joy and peace, even in the midst of trials.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have allowed worry and anxiety to steal my joy. Help me to focus on your promises and to find my contentment in you.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the joy of your salvation. I am grateful for your presence in my life, which fills me with peace and hope.

Thursday, April 3rd

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:1-13 - Running the race with endurance.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, April 3rd, help me to run the race of faith with endurance. Guide my thoughts to your example, who endured the cross for the joy set before him.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have grown weary and discouraged in my faith. Help me to persevere in following you, even when the path is difficult.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your strength, which sustains me in times of weakness. I am grateful for your encouragement, which motivates me to keep running the race.

Friday, April 4th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day. No meat or dairy.
Bible Reading: 1 Peter 5:1-11 - Be sober-minded; be watchful.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, April 4th, help me to be sober-minded and watchful. Guide my thoughts to the spiritual battle that rages around me and within me.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have been careless and complacent in my faith. Help me to resist the devil's schemes and to stand firm in your truth.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your protection and guidance. I am grateful for your strength, which empowers me to overcome the enemy.

Saturday, April 5th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Revelation 21:1-7 - A new heaven and a new earth.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, April 5th, help me to fix my eyes on the hope of your coming kingdom. Guide my thoughts to the new heaven and new earth, where there will be no more sorrow or pain.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have allowed my earthly desires to overshadow my heavenly hope. Help me to live in light of eternity and to seek your kingdom first.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the hope of eternal life, which you have promised to all who believe in your Son. I am grateful for the future you have prepared for me, where I will be with you forever.

Sunday, April 6th

Dietary Restriction: One main meal and two small meals.
Bible Reading: Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20 - The Great Commission.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, April 6th, help me to fulfill your Great Commission. Guide my thoughts to your command to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have been hesitant to share my faith with others. Help me to be a bold witness to your love and truth.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the privilege of being your ambassador in the world. I am grateful for the opportunity to share the good news of your salvation with others.

Monday, April 7th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Micah 6:6-8 - What does the Lord require of you?
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, April 7th, help me to understand what you require of me. Guide my thoughts to your call to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have failed to live up to your standards of righteousness. Help me to pursue justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your clear guidance and instruction. I am grateful for your Word, which teaches me how to live a life that pleases you.

Tuesday, April 8th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Matthew 7:1-5 - Judging others.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, April 8th, help me to avoid judging others. Guide my thoughts to your command to examine my own heart and to remove the log from my own eye before I try to remove the speck from my brother's eye.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have been quick to judge and criticize others. Help me to be more understanding and compassionate.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. I am grateful that you do not judge me according to my sins but offer me grace and forgiveness instead.

Wednesday, April 9th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Luke 18:9-14 - The Pharisee and the tax collector.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, April 9th, help me to approach you with humility. Guide my thoughts to the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, which teaches me that you are pleased with those who humble themselves before you.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have been proud and self-righteous. Help me to recognize my need for your grace and to approach you with a humble and contrite heart.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your love and acceptance, which are not based on my performance but on your grace. I am grateful that you welcome me just as I am.

Thursday, April 10th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Romans 12:9-21 - Living as a Christian.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, April 10th, help me to live as a true follower of Christ. Guide my thoughts to the practical instructions in this passage, which teach me how to love genuinely, overcome evil with good, and live in harmony with others.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have failed to live up to the high calling of being your child. Help me to love others as you have loved me, to be kind and compassionate, and to pursue peace with all people.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the example of your Son, who showed me how to live a life of love and service. I am grateful for the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and to be your representative in the world.

Friday, April 11th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day. No meat or dairy.
Bible Reading: Isaiah 53:1-12 - The Suffering Servant.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, April 11th, help me to understand the depth of your love, which led you to suffer and die for my sins. Guide my thoughts to the prophecy of Isaiah 53, which describes your suffering servant, who was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for my sins, which caused your Son to suffer and die. Help me to appreciate the sacrifice he made for my salvation and to live a life worthy of his love.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the gift of your Son, who willingly gave his life for me. I am grateful for his suffering, which brought me forgiveness and eternal life.

Saturday, April 12th

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: John 11:1-44 - The raising of Lazarus.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this day, April 12th, help me to believe in your power to overcome death. Guide my thoughts to the story of Lazarus, whom you raised from the dead, foreshadowing your own resurrection and the hope of eternal life for all who believe.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have doubted your power and your promises. Help me to trust in your ability to bring life out of death and hope out of despair.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the hope of the resurrection, which assures me that death is not the end. I am grateful for your power, which can overcome any obstacle and bring forth new life.

Holy Week

Sunday, April 13th (Palm Sunday)

Dietary Restriction: One main meal and two small meals.
Bible Reading: Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, as I enter Holy Week, I meditate on your triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The crowds hailed you as king, laying down palm branches and their cloaks in your path. Help me to welcome you into my heart with joy and humility, recognizing you as my King. Grant me the grace to follow you, even when the path leads to suffering and sacrifice.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, as I recall the crowds who hailed you as king, forgive me for the times I have failed to acknowledge your sovereignty in my life. Forgive me when I have chosen my own will over yours, and grant me the grace to truly submit to your loving authority.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the gift of your Son, who came to save us. I am grateful for his willingness to enter Jerusalem, knowing the suffering that awaited him. Thank you for his humility and obedience, even unto death.

Monday, April 14th (Holy Monday)

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8 - Mary anoints Jesus at Bethany.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, on this Holy Monday, I meditate on your anointing at Bethany. Mary's extravagant act of love, pouring expensive perfume on your feet, foreshadows your burial. Help me to offer you the fragrant offering of my love and devotion, holding nothing back. May my life be a pleasing aroma to you, Lord.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have been stingy with my love and service to you and others. Forgive me when I have held back from giving my all to you, and help me to love with a generous and sacrificial heart.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the example of Mary of Bethany, who poured out her precious ointment on your feet. I am grateful for the opportunity to show my love for you through acts of service and devotion. Help me to be a fragrant offering to you, Lord.

Tuesday, April 15th (Holy Tuesday)

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Matthew 21:12-17, 23-27; 22:15-22, 34-46; 23:1-39; Mark 11:15-19; 12:13-17, 28-37; Luke 19:45-48; 20:1-8, 20-47; 22:1-6 - Jesus' authority challenged; teachings in the temple.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, on this Holy Tuesday, I meditate on your warnings about hypocrisy and your prophecies about the destruction of the temple. You challenged the religious leaders who prioritized outward appearances over true faith. Help me to be sincere in my faith and to build my life on the solid foundation of your Word, not on empty rituals or traditions.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have been hypocritical in my faith, saying one thing but doing another. Forgive me when I have prioritized outward appearances over inward transformation.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your Word, which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I am grateful for the truth that sets me free and guides me to eternal life.

Wednesday, April 16th (Holy Wednesday)

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16; Mark 14:1-2, 10-11; Luke 22:1-6 - Judas agrees to betray Jesus.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, on this Holy Wednesday, I meditate on Judas's betrayal and your preparation for the Passover. Even as your enemies plotted against you, you made ready to celebrate the feast that foreshadowed your ultimate sacrifice. Help me to remain faithful to you, even when tempted, and to prepare my heart to receive the gift of your sacrifice.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have betrayed your love and trust. Forgive me when I have given in to temptation and turned away from you.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your unwavering love, even when I am unfaithful. I am grateful for your mercy, which is new every morning.

Thursday, April 17th (Holy Thursday)

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day. Attend the service commemorating the Lord's Supper in the evening.
Bible Reading: Matthew 26:17-35; Mark 14:12-31; Luke 22:7-38; John 13:1-38 - The Last Supper; Jesus washes the disciples' feet.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, on this Holy Thursday, I meditate on the Last Supper, where you instituted the Eucharist and washed the feet of your disciples. You gave us the sacrament of your body and blood, a tangible reminder of your sacrifice. And you, the King of kings, humbled yourself to wash your disciples' feet, showing us the true meaning of servanthood. Help me to receive your Body and Blood with a grateful heart and to serve others with humility and love.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have received your Eucharist unworthily. Forgive me when I have failed to love and serve others as you have loved and served me.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the gift of the Eucharist, where you give yourself to me completely. I am grateful for your example of humble service, which teaches me the true meaning of love.

Friday, April 18th (Good Friday)

Dietary Restriction: No food or drink (except water) until the service commemorating the Lord's Passion in the afternoon.
Bible Reading: Matthew 27:1-61; Mark 15:1-47; Luke 23:1-56; John 18:1-19:42 - Jesus' crucifixion and death.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, on this Good Friday, I meditate on your Passion and Death on the Cross. You endured unimaginable suffering, mocked, beaten, and crucified for my sake. Help me to enter into your suffering and to unite my own sufferings with yours. Grant me the grace to understand the depth of your love for me, a love so great that you willingly gave your life to redeem me.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for my sins, which nailed your Son to the Cross. Forgive me when I have failed to appreciate the sacrifice he made for my salvation.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the immeasurable gift of your Son, who gave his life for me. I am grateful for his suffering, which brought me redemption and eternal life.

Saturday, April 19th (Holy Saturday)

Dietary Restriction: One meal a day.
Bible Reading: Matthew 27:62-66; 1 Peter 3:18-22 - Jesus' body lies in the tomb; He descends into hell.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, on this Holy Saturday, I meditate on your descent into hell and your silent repose in the tomb. While your body lay lifeless, you descended to the realm of the dead, proclaiming victory over the powers of darkness. Help me to wait in hopeful anticipation for your Resurrection, knowing that you have conquered death and opened the way to eternal life.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have lost hope in your promises. Forgive me when I have doubted your power to overcome darkness and bring forth new life.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for your victory over sin and death. I am grateful for the hope of the Resurrection, which assures me that you will never abandon me.

Sunday, April 20th (Easter Sunday)

Dietary Restriction: No restrictions. Celebrate the Resurrection!
Bible Reading: Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18 - The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Meditation Prayer: Lord, on this glorious Easter Sunday, I meditate on your Resurrection from the dead. You have conquered death and the grave, offering new life to all who believe. Help me to live in the newness of life that you have won for me. Fill me with your joy and peace, and empower me to be a witness to your Resurrection.
Forgiveness Prayer: Merciful Father, I rejoice in the forgiveness of sins that your Son's Resurrection has made possible. Help me to live in the freedom of your grace and to extend forgiveness to others.
Gratitude Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for the gift of eternal life, which you have given me through the Resurrection of your Son. I am grateful for the joy and hope that fill my heart today. Alleluia!

Download Printable Version