After a colder than usual winter, we are beginning to see hints of spring. Jonquils are beginning to bloom, pink pear trees are budding, and it’s easy to catch sight of birds scoping out a place for their nests. The world is waking up again, and Easter is on the horizon. But it’s not just Easter we should set our eyes on, but the season leading to it – the season of Lent. 

Lent is the 40 days—not including Sundays—from Ash Wednesday to the Saturday before Easter. Christians around the world consider Lent a time to reflect on what Jesus did for us.

Remember how John the Baptist expressed a need to prepare the way for Jesus through repentance and humility? Lent is a time to prepare our hearts to:

• pray
• fast
• read and reflect on Scripture
• repent for things that are not in line with His Word

It’s a time to draw close to the Lord and both personally, and as a family, to celebrate the amazing sacrifice Jesus made for us.

There are three disciplines in which we focus during Lent - repentance, sacrifice, and reflection. These can be heavy for children to understand but practicing these disciplines as a family can be a growing opportunity for everyone. Focus on the Family mentions a few ways to prepare the hearts of your family. 

Set a Family Fast

Choose a family-friendly fast, such as temporarily giving up a particular treat, show, habit, or screen time. Talk about the purpose of fasting and how it connects to self-discipline and drawing closer to God. Pray about how you can use your sacrifice to connect with Him instead.

Take a Prayer Hike

Spend time outdoors in nature, taking walks or hikes as a family. (Adjust the length of your walk to fit the age and limitations of your kids.) Before you begin your trek, pray together or read a passage about God’s creation. During your walk, encourage everyone to walk quietly—praying, reflecting, and connecting with God. Share about the time you had with the Lord.

Create a Prayer Jar

Encourage everyone to write down prayers or blessings throughout the week and keep them in a jar on your mealtime table (help note prayers for any children too young to write). Model how to do it — adding to the collection throughout Lent. Read the entries aloud several times each week and encourage one another as a family.

"For-Give" Gift Wrapping

Each family member writes a person they have forgiven, need to forgive, or has forgiven them. Discuss the incredible and life-giving gift of forgiveness. Talk about ways the family can foster a culture of forgiveness (a culture of deeper love). Discuss how asking for forgiveness and forgiving are both courageous decisions and behaviors.

Just as Jesus prepared for His years of ministry, His followers observe the days leading up to Easter as a time of spiritual preparation. We hope these suggestions will be helpful for your family to spend time reflecting on the One who sacrificed it all, just for us.

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