Lenten Resources | 2025
Lent is a part of the Christian church calendar from Ash Wednesday to Easter that commemorates Jesus’ 40 days of fasting and prayer in the desert as He prepared for His public ministry.
Many people who follow Jesus use these 40 days to intentionally draw closer to Jesus, by giving something up or taking something on.
Giving something up is called ‘fasting’ in the Bible, and it often has to do with certain foods. Some people choose to fast from certain foods, like ice cream, alcohol or even meat. Others fast from certain activities, like social media, video games or even complaining. Giving something up can help us recognize their power to distract our attention from God. It can be hard to give it up, but God gives us his presence, power and peace to persevere.
But Lent isn’t only about giving things up. Many people commit to take something on, like specific generosity to the poor, prayer for other nations, or specific Bible reading and reflection during Lent.
We recognize that everyone has diverse interests and needs, so to better serve our growingly diverse community, here are a variety of options for you or your family as we begin the Lenten season.
As a church that values community, we invite you to consider asking at least one person in the church to join with you in one of these devotionals or one of the activities below:
For the One Who Needs a Traditional Lenten Devotional
Purchase a devotional from the ECC bookstore: https://covbooks.com/collections/lent-and-holy-week
For the One Who Wants to Read Scripture with Others
Fuller’s Communal Reading of Scripture → Fuller Seminary put together a Communal Reading of Scripture, also known as the Public Reading of Scripture, with weekly readings from the Gospel of Luke. Each reading takes less than 20 minutes, and each week’s reading has accompanying commentary and reflection questions and is encouraged to practice WITH others.
For Families with Children
Kids Corner Lenten Guide → Journey towards Easter using this interactive Family Lent Devotion that encourages everyone to grow in faith at home. This is great for kids aged Kindergarten and older.
A Jesus Easter: Explore God’s Amazing Rescue Plan → This resource can be purchaed on Amazon. Each day there is a passage to read together, questions to think about, an explanation and a prayer. There are also age-appropriate application questions, with some for younger children and some for older children, as well as journalling space so that family members can write or draw their own response to what God has shown them.
Dinner Time Devotions → Choose two nights a week throughout the season to gather around the dinner table and talk about Jesus. This flexible plan gives you the freedom you need for your busy days, but still gives you something to anchor your family during this season.
Lent Daily Prompts
March 5
Lent is a season of reflection and preparation leading up to Easter. How will you intentionally engage with this time? Write down one way you hope to grow spiritually in the next 40 days.
March 6
Lent isn’t about empty rituals—it’s about drawing closer to Jesus. Read this short article on Lent’s significance and reflect on how God might be inviting you to grow this season. Write down the ways you plan to prepare your heart during this time so you can revisit them over the next few weeks.
March 7
Take time to pray for those who will gather at Prayer Ministry Night on March 11. Ask God to move in powerful ways as people come seeking His presence, healing, and guidance. You can join the Prayer Ministry Night on March 11 from 6:30-8:30pm.
March 8/9
Make attending church a priority this Lent. Worshiping alongside others strengthens our faith. Who can you invite to Restoration this weekend?
March 10
As you begin a new week, take a moment to pause and recite a breath prayer based on Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” As you inhale, fill your lower lungs (your diaphragm) with air, so that your belly rises while your chest remains still.
Exhale slowly and repeat:
Inhale: God is God.
Exhale: I am not.
Inhale: He is a good God.
Exhale: Be still my soul.
March 11
Practice being aware of God throughout the day.
Ask God for eyes to see things you normally don’t notice – people who may be hurting, coworkers who need encouragement, or small evidence of His beauty in creation. Thank Him for His kindness and pray for the overlooked.
March 12
From August 16-21, a team from Restoration Church will be serving in Alaska, partnering with local communities to share hope and the love of Jesus. Today, take time to pray for this mission opportunity.
Pray for:
- Those considering joining the team—that they would listen to God’s calling.
- The people and communities in Alaska that Restoration will partner with.
- God’s provision, protection, and guidance for the trip.
- Open hearts to receive the gospel and experience transformation.
Take Action: If you’re feeling called to serve, ask God for clarity and boldness to take the next step.
March 13
Millions of Christians around the world face persecution for their faith. Some risk their safety, freedom, and even their lives to follow Jesus. Today, take time to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who endure hardship because of their faith.
Pray for:
- Strength and courage for persecuted believers.
- Protection and provision for their families.
- The gospel to spread even in the midst of suffering.
- Persecutors to encounter the love of Jesus.
Visit Open Doors or The Voice of the Martyrs to learn more and find specific ways to pray and support persecuted Christians.
March 14
Find 30 minutes to sit in silence with God. Let go of distractions, and simply be in His presence. What do you hear when you quiet your soul?
Be still and know that I am God
March 15/16
Unplug for a day this weekend. Replace screen time with time spent in prayer, reflection, and being fully present with those around you.
March 17
Begin a new week by taking a moment to pause and recite a breath prayer based on Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Inhale: Lord, turn my thoughts
Exhale: to what is ______ (pick above)
March 18
One of our core values is Christ-Centered Life—believing that Jesus changes everything. What area of your life needs to be more centered on Him? Ask God to realign your heart.
March 19
We aren’t perfect, and we don’t pretend to be. Take time today to thank God that you can come to Him as you are. What area of your life needs more authenticity?
March 20
“The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Ask yourself: How can I cultivate the joy of the Lord in my life, even amid challenges and sacrifices? Are there areas where I’ve allowed temporary struggles to overshadow the lasting joy that comes from Christ?
Confess those areas to God and ask Him to strengthen you to live with hope and joy, even in the hardest moments.
March 21
Thank God for your family—whether biological, spiritual, or chosen. Ask Him to strengthen your relationships and to guide those you love in His grace. Thank Him that every person you love is held in His hands.
March 22/23
One of our values is Serving Humbly—we serve not out of obligation, but out of love. Find a way to serve someone today without expecting anything in return. Consider serving with your family or friends at Feed My Starving Children.
March 24
Begin a new week by taking a moment to pause and recite a breath prayer based on Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Inhale: God of hope I trust You.
Exhale: Fill me with joy and peace.
March 25
Take a moment during lunch to go outside, breathe in fresh air, and thank God for His creation. How does nature remind you of His presence?
Want to get the entire family in on it? Plan an outdoor picnic.
March 26
Paul went through so much persecution (the same kind he used to give to the Church) and yet his faith was so bold and strong. That persecution only strengthened his faith and purpose. God used all of it and He will also use your trials too. God rescues us, redeems us and brings us to wholeness. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and reflect on how God has been at work in your life.
March 27
We believe in growing spiritually through God’s Word. If daily Bible Reading is not a part of your daily habit, take a few minutes to start a reading plan on the Bible App, and ask a friend to read it with you.
March 28
Pray for the families of Restoration. Ask God to bring peace and wisdom to every household.
March 29/30
Look for someone you don’t know at Restoration this weekend and introduce yourself. Every time we connect, we strengthen our community of faith.
March 31
Begin a new week by taking a moment to pause and recite a breath prayer based on Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Inhale: Make me strong and courageous.
Exhale: I give you all my fear.
Inhale: You are with me
Exhale: wherever I go.
April 1
Lift up Restoration’s pastors, staff, and volunteers. Pray that God would provide them with the strength, wisdom, and discernment they need to lead. Ask God to fill them with a deep sense of His presence as they lead and love our church.
April 2
Relationships are an essential part of our life. Loving those around us is vital to our own spiritual growth. Think about someone in your life – family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker. Pray for them specifically, that the Lord will move in their life and bless them. Then, take another step, and send them a text message or note in the mail, letting them know you are praying for them.
April 3
God calls us to raise up future leaders. Take some time today to prayerfully consider how you can actively contribute to the growth of future leaders who will build God’s kingdom. Read Luke 10:2 and pray for the harvest.
April 4
As the weekend begins, take a few minutes to walk through your home with fresh eyes. Every mess, unmade bed, pile on the counter, unwashed dishes; thank Jesus for the people in your life that helped create the mess. Thank Him for the people and personalities that create a beautifully messy life with others.
April 5/6
Reflect on how you’re using your time, talents, and resources for God’s Kingdom. Is there an area where you need to realign your priorities? Confess any ways you’ve misused or neglected the gifts God has entrusted to you.
April 7
Begin a new week by taking a moment to pause and recite a breath prayer based on Psalm 130:5, “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His Word I hope.”
Inhale: I wait for you, Lord;
Exhale: My hope is in your Word.
April 8
Read James 1:2-4. Thank God for the trials in your life. Ask God to show you his redeeming perspective to see suffering as a gift, helping you become more like Jesus.
James 1:2 “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.”
April 9
Every time you catch yourself complaining today, pause and replace it with gratitude. Even the smallest shift can change your perspective and turn it into a moment of thankfulness.
April 10
Spend intentional time in worship today. Sing, journal, or listen to worship music as you bring your heart before God. Read Romans 12:1 and reflect on the invitation we have received to worship Jesus.
Romans 12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
April 11
How has God been moving in your heart during this season? Journal what He has been teaching you. How have the challenges, reflections, and practices so far helped shape who you are becoming in Christ? What areas of growth or transformation have you noticed, and where is God inviting you to go deeper?
April 12/13
This weekend is Palm Sunday and it marks the beginning of Holy Week. Read Matthew 21:9 ESV: And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
Worship Jesus as King over your life today. Who can you invite to Easter services?
April 14
Begin a new week by taking a moment to pause and recite a breath prayer based on Psalm 74:16, “Both day and night belong to You; You made the starlight and the sun.”
Inhale: Both day and night…
Exhale: Belong to You, God.
April 15
At Restoration Church, one of our Core Values is Authentic Community. We believe we don’t live our faith alone—we choose community and welcome others with grace like Jesus did. Who in your life needs to experience the love and acceptance of Jesus today?
Read Luke 19:1-10—the story of Zacchaeus. Jesus invited Himself into Zacchaeus’ life before Zacchaeus had it all together. How can you extend that same grace to others?
Reach out to someone today—send a message, extend an invitation, or offer encouragement.
April 16
Preparing for Good Friday
Listen to one of these worship songs about Jesus’ sacrifice and reflect on the depth of His love for you.
April 17
God created your body with purpose. Take time today to rest, nourish, and care for yourself as an act of worship.
April 18
Today is Good Friday.
Meditate on Jesus’ sacrifice. Take time to pause, pray, and remember. Join us for our Good Friday service at 7pm.
Who can you invite that is far from God to celebrate Easter with you at Restoration?
April 19/20
Easter Celebration!
He is risen!
Celebrate the hope of the resurrection today. Join us for Easter worship at 9 or 10:30am. Looking for a family activity?