Lent is a sacred season in the Christian tradition, a time to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and prepare our hearts for Easter. Often, we think we must make grand gestures to grow closer to God. Yet sometimes it is the seemingly small daily practices—done with love and devotion—that draw us into a deeper relationship with Christ. Below is a set of 12 simple suggestions, each accompanied by reflections on why they matter and how you might incorporate them into your everyday life.
1. Pray an Our Father when you wake up
Reflection: Starting your day with the Lord’s Prayer grounds you in gratitude and humility. It sets the tone for the rest of your day by acknowledging God’s presence and your reliance on Him.
Practical Tip: Keep a short reminder near your bed or on your phone’s alarm so you can begin your day with this prayer before checking any notifications.
2. Pray a Hail Mary every time you check social media
Reflection: Each time you feel the urge to scroll, pair that action with a short prayer. This practice turns potential distraction into an opportunity to reflect on Mary’s example of humility and obedience.
Practical Tip: Set your phone’s wallpaper to a short phrase like “Pray before you scroll.” It will remind you to pause, pray, and then proceed—focusing on God even in the midst of your digital life.
3. Don’t look at your cell phone while you’re eating or conversing with someone
Reflection: Genuine presence is a rare gift in a world full of distractions. By setting your phone aside, you honor the person in front of you and cultivate mindful gratitude for the meal and the companionship.
Practical Tip: During mealtime or conversation, put your phone in another room or silence it. The physical distance helps reduce the temptation to glance at it.
4. Go to weekday Mass
Reflection: Attending Mass outside of Sunday fosters a stronger sacramental life and offers you more frequent encounters with Christ in the Eucharist. It also provides an additional space for prayerful reflection during a typically busy week.
Practical Tip: If you can’t make it every day, pick at least one weekday that works best with your schedule. Consistency is key, even if it’s only once a week.
5. Write a list of what you are thankful for each day
Reflection: Cultivating gratitude reshapes how you see the world. By noting daily blessings, you train your heart to recognize God’s constant generosity, which fosters joy and reduces anxiety.
Practical Tip: Keep a small journal by your bedside. Jot down three to five things you’re grateful for each night before sleep.
6. Don’t be rude… when you are hungry
Reflection: Hunger often tests our patience. This practice challenges you to be conscious of your reactions and treat others with kindness, even when you feel discomfort.
Practical Tip: When you notice irritability creeping in, take a deep breath and say a quick prayer. Offer that small suffering for someone in need.
7. Forgive each person who has hurt you
Reflection: Forgiveness is at the heart of Christianity. Holding onto grudges damages our spiritual and emotional well-being. Letting go frees us and allows grace to flow.
Practical Tip: Start by praying for the person you need to forgive. Ask God for the strength and humility to release resentment and embrace peace.
8. Only buy what is necessary this month
Reflection: Voluntary simplicity teaches detachment from material goods and opens space in your heart for God. It can also free up resources to help others in need.
Practical Tip: Create a “Needs vs. Wants” list before shopping. Stick to the items you’ve marked as truly necessary.
9. Be joyful at work
Reflection: Radiating joy is a powerful witness to faith. It doesn’t mean faking happiness, but rather carrying a heart of hope and trust in God’s plan, even amid challenges.
Practical Tip: Each morning, pray for the grace to bring Christ’s presence to your workplace. A kind word or simple smile can transform the environment.
10. Pray more: For each hour of the day, consider saying a short prayer
Reflection: Frequent, short prayers throughout the day keep your mind and heart turned toward God. This continuous communion helps you remain aware of His guidance.
Practical Tip: You could set a gentle alarm every hour or pair the prayer with routine actions—like walking to the next meeting or taking a break. A quick “Jesus, I trust in You” can suffice.
11. Visit sick, elderly, or isolated family members
Reflection: Jesus often spent time with the marginalized and those in need. Visiting loved ones who are lonely or ill brings comfort, shows compassion, and reflects Christ’s love in a tangible way.
Practical Tip: Schedule a specific day each week for a call or visit. If you can’t visit in person, a heartfelt phone call or video chat can still brighten their day.
12. Spend time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and go to confession
Reflection: Adoration is a powerful way to encounter Christ tangibly. Quiet prayer before the Eucharist deepens intimacy with God and fosters a spirit of reverence and love.
Practical Tip: Macau Cathedral has a schedule for Adoration at daytime. Confession is scheduled at noon time in Chinese, Portuguese, English and Tagalog. Check your parish’s schedule for Adoration times. Even 15 minutes in the chapel can bring peace and spiritual renewal.
CONCLUSION
These 12 suggestions are simple yet profound ways to draw nearer to Christ during Lent.
While each step may seem small, taken together they can transform your spiritual life and ripple outward, touching your family, friends, and community.
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