10 Ways to Deepen Your Experience of Lent
Many give up something for Lent. We invite you to consider taking up a practice you wouldn't do otherwise.
Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Updated Feb. 18, 2026
1. Try a New Prayer or Devotion
If you have gotten in a rut with your Lenten prayer, why not try something new? Pope Leo XIV continues the appeal of Pope Francis in asking the faithful to pray for people in areas of war or conflict to find hope, reconciliation and peace. Consider praying a rosary or novena for peace. Or join the Holy Father's Worldwide Prayer Network in praying for his monthly prayer intentions. Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, asks American Catholics to pray a Holy Hour for Peace, for "reconciliation where there is division, for justice where there are violations of fundamental rights, and for consolation for all who feel overwhelmed by fear or loss," in the United States. Other options include lifting up those in desperate need of prayer, include immigrants, victims of human trafficking and abuse or families in crisis.
One of the most common Lenten devotions is the Stations of the Cross. If you haven't prayed the stations before, it can be a very powerful way to take in Christ's passion and death. Many parishes offer the stations each Friday of Lent. If unable to be there in person, pray it online. Have you tried Eucharistic adoration? If not, Lent is a great time to start. Spend an hour with Jesus at a parish near you. Not sure what to do during your time in prayer, explore this list or visit the website for the National Eucharistic Revival, which offers lots of great resources. Other suggestions include: guided Lenten studies, reflections and apps, online retreats or Liturgy of the Hours, which is the daily prayer of the Church, marking the hours of each day and sanctifying the day with prayer.
2. Fast to Draw Closer to God
Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are standard. To learn the basics, visit the fasting and abstinence guidelines. Why not go beyond the basics? Find out what many already know: Fasting awakens your awareness of God and pulls you closer to him. You might find fasting for others more fulfilling. What about fasting throughout Lent for an end to war? Other ideas include taking part in programs like CRS Rice Bowl, or fasting from something other than food? How about turning off the television or the Internet?
3. Do Some Spiritual Reading and/or Watching
If you like to read, consider spiritual reading this Lent. Reflect on Pope Leo XIV's 2026 Message for Lent or his first apostolic exhortation "Dilexi Te" ("I Have Loved You"). Arkansas Catholic publishes a special feature on Lent each year, check out this Lent series, or "Lent, Season of Transformation" from Little Rock Scripture Study, the internationally recognized Catholic program that began in the Diocese of Little Rock. We also recommend Bishop Anthony B. Taylor's Homily Library. Bishop Taylor challenges us to open our minds and hearts to Christ's teachings as well as learn the plight of immigrants seeking a better life in his "I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me: A Pastoral Letter on the Human Rights of Immigrants," which includes a study guide. The U.S. bishops issued a similar statement to reflect on in 2025 as well as The Cabrini Pledge, an invitation to prayer, reflection and action.
Explore daily Gospel reflections online, through an app or podcast from Hallow, Dynamic Catholic, Ascension Press, Augustine Institute or Bishop Robert Barron. Also available are the Lenten reading lists from Our Sunday Visitor, Word on Fire or Ascension Press. If you prefer to watch, forgo the latest Netflix series for Season 5 of The Chosen or check out the wide variety of Lenten video series and films for children and adults on FORMED. Also available are videos to help us understand the Church's Catholic social teachings.
4. Give Alms for Those in Need
During Lent, we are asked to focus more intently on almsgiving, which means donating money or goods to the poor and performing other acts of charity. Read St. John Chrysostom's homily about the importance of almsgiving. Although the cost of living has shot up, challenge yourself to give more this year. Your sacrifice for those in need is a "work of justice pleasing to God." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462) Suggestions include giving to the diocese's Disaster Relief Fund, CASA, the schools' Scholarship Appeal, One Church or the special collections during Lent, including Catholic Relief Services or its family program CRS Rice Bowl.
5. Consider Bible Study
If not already doing a study in your parish, check out the offering from Little Rock Scripture Study. What about an online or in-person study using these free articles, available in English and Spanish, that offer questions for group study? Looking to explore on your own? Use this helpful Q&A and guide from Arkansas Catholic. Do you like podcasts? If so, check out the "Bible in a Year Podcast," from Father Mike Schmitz. Other options include: "Lectio Divina" ("Divine Reading") or praying the daily readings accompanied by daily video or audio reflections from the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops.
6. Learn or Share Catholic Faith
Do you have questions about what the Church teaches and why? Have you been told or read something about a teaching that bothers you? Has this caused you to take a step back? Are you sure what you were told is correct? You owe it to yourself to learn the truth. Ask a priest, or visit trusted resources online. We also recommend reading Bishop Taylor's statements on current events or his homilies that are posted each week. Our diocese's Faith Formation Office offers free online courses at learn.dolr.org.
If you like podcasts, check out "Apostolic Zeal: the Passion for Evangelization" a new, 30-episode series also from the Faith Formation Office. It is available in English and Spanish. Also available is "The Catechism in a Year" with Father Mike Schmitz. Or check out other offerings from Ascension Press, Word on Fire, Augustine Institute or FORMED for adults. We also have resources for children, teens and young adults. Do you have an adult child who no longer attends Mass? Consider "Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church" from Word on Fire.
7. Take Part in Lenten Activities
Parishes across Arkansas are hosting fish fries, soup suppers, missions, Bible studies and more during Lent. Visit our calendar to find events near you. Don't see your parish listed? Contact your parish to find out what activities are planned. If you are unable to participate in-person, online options include guided Lenten studies, reflections and apps.
8. Make a Good Confession
If you haven't received the sacrament of reconciliation in a long time, Lent is the ideal time to go. "Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart ..." (Joel 2:12). Many parishes provide additional opportunities to receive this sacrament during Lent through Lenten Penance Services across Arkansas. These typically include a short service with prayers, readings and songs, followed by private, individual confessions with priests stationed throughout the church. Contact your parish for details. If you miss your parish service, the new Divine Mercy Shrine in Little Rock offers the sacrament every day of the week but Monday.
9. Try a New Meatless Recipe
I don't know about you, but fast-food fish sandwiches get really old during Lent. Just because you are abstaining from meat on Fridays doesn't mean your meals have to be boring. Sample a recipe from Arkansas Catholic readers who shared their favorite meatless meals, which include main dishes, casseroles, soups and side dishes. Are you hungry yet?
10. Discover Christ in Service
Service is a great way to see Christ in the faces of those in need. There are many ways to help others. Based on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, we came up with 25 ideas to perform these works in Arkansas. These include volunteering at your parish, school or local social service organization, visiting the sick or elderly or adopting a child who needs a forever family.
