30 Underrated Lenten Ideas

The Everyday Catholic posted on Instagram a unique idea to make Lent more fruitful and holy through 30 ideas that cover the three pillars of the penitential season: fasting, praying, and almsgiving.

Here are some ideas that are less of a “challenge” and more of an opportunity to grow closer to God.

Prayer:
1. Stop by the adoration chapel every day
2. Pray on your knees for the first minute of the day
3. Daily rosary
4. Daily Mass
5. Offer up a daily task for an intention/person
6. Begin the Bible in a Year podcast
7. Admire the sunset every night
8. Pray morning, evening, and night prayer
9. Get to Sunday Mass 15 minutes earlier
10. Watch “The Chosen” tv series

Fasting:
1. Put your phone down for the night at 8 pm
2. Wake up to the first alarm - no snooze button
3. No shopping for new clothing or home decor
4. Only home-cooked meals, no fast food or restaurants
5. Listen to only Christian music
6. No procrastination - do something as soon as it comes to mind
7. Drive in silence, no radio or podcasts
8. No rushing yourself, take your time with each daily task
9. Give up long showers
10. No work on Sundays

Almsgiving:
1. Visit your local nursing home
2. Call a friend or family member each day
3. Donate to your local pregnancy center
4. Get to know your neighbors
5. Give food to the homeless
6. Write a letter to friends and family each day
7. Compliment someone new every day
8. Babysit or offer a service for free
9. Clean your closet and give clothing to the homeless shelter
10. Talk to someone at Mass each week

Do them all or pick the ones from each pillar that stand out to you. Make it penitent and holy. Keep your eyes fixated on the cross during these 40 days.