10 Meaningful Lent Devotionals for 2025
As we look ahead to Lent 2025, which begins March 3rd, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how we can intentionally prepare our hearts for Easter. Whether you’re a seasoned pro with Lent devotionals or brand new to the practice, finding the right resources can make all the difference. Let’s dive into some amazing Lent Bible study and Easter devotionals options that can help us draw closer to Jesus during this sacred season.
Origins and History of Lent
- Lent is a season of penitence and preparation leading up to Easter, the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
- Its origins trace back to the early centuries of Christianity, with evidence of pre-Easter fasting practices.
- The 40-day period is rooted in biblical precedents, such as Jesus’s 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, Moses meeting God on Mt Sinai for 40 days, and Elijah fasting for 40 days as he went to Mt Horeb.
In Western churches, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for approximately six and a half weeks, concluding on Holy Saturday.
- The 40-day count excludes Sundays, which are traditionally considered feast days.
- The formalization of the 40-day period occurred over time, with significant developments, such as the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, playing a crucial role.
Modern Practices of Lent for Believers
Over the centuries, the way that Christians practiced Lent has changed. Early christians practiced very strict fasting. Over time those practices have been modified. Today, Christians observe Lent in various ways, often focusing on:
- Adding spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study to daily routines.
- Fasting or abstaining from certain things, including alcohol, certain foods, media, social media, gossip, or criticism.
- Acts of charity and service.
- Spiritual reflection and self-examination.
Modern Christians practice lent as a way to draw closer to God, and to prepare their hearts to fully appreciate the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
10 Meaningful Lent Devotionals
These 10 devotional ideas are perfect for leading up to Easter. There are inductive Bible studies, more contemplative ones, short and longer options. But all will help you draw near to Jesus as Easter approaches.
1. Uncovering the Love of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu: Imagine spending 40 days truly soaking in the depth of Jesus’ love. Asheritah’s devotional guides us through Jesus’ interactions in Scripture, revealing His incredible love demonstrated at the cross. Plus, the optional family activities make it a wonderful way to involve everyone in your household! This short and sweet devotional has truly been a blessing to me in the past as I prepared for Easter.
2. The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Ordinary Days by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie: Let’s be real, life isn’t always picture-perfect. This prayer book offers beautiful, honest blessings for the ordinary days—the messy, the joyful, and everything in between. It’s a breath of fresh air for those moments when we just need to exhale and remember God’s presence in our everyday lives. Inside the book is a 40 Day reading plan for Lent that I really enjoyed using in the past. I like to repeat the blessings out loud and then do some prayer journaling around each theme.
3. Claiming the Promises of God by Katie M. Scott: What better way to prepare for Easter than by anchoring ourselves in God’s promises? This 40-day devotional focuses on promises like “God is always with me” and “Joy is always possible,” helping us deepen our faith and connect with God’s heart. Each day includes a Scripture verse, write the Word challenge, journaling space for reflection, and a worship song that goes along with the passage.
4. Journey to the Cross by Will Walker and Kendall Haug: If you’re looking for a more contemplative approach, this devotional is perfect. It guides us through six central themes of the Christian life—repentance, humility, suffering, lament, sacrifice, and death—through Bible readings, prayers, and daily reflections. It’s a beautiful way to focus on Christ’s sacrifice.
5. Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only by Beth Moore: Although longer than Lent’s 40 days this study unpacks the life and impact of Christ in stunning detail. It includes lots of room for reflection and journaling as well as Beth’s life-giving perspective and study guide for delving into the life of Christ. This study truly impacted me and I love the ability to journal alongside Bible study.
6. She Reads Truth: Lent 2025: He Will Save Us: Join the She Reads Truth community for a seven-week study of Isaiah, tracing the prophecies of the Messiah to the fulfilled promises in Christ. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s perfect plan and His unwavering care for us.
7. Loved to Life by Ann Voskamp: Ann Voskamp invites us on a 40-day pilgrimage through the Gospel of John, exploring the depth of God’s love. With beautiful devotionals, Bible passages, and woodcut illustrations, it’s a transformative journey that will leave you feeling deeply loved.
8. The Gospel of John: Not So Quiet Morning Time by Phylicia Masonheimer: Even with busy mornings, we can connect with God! This 21-day plan offers a practical way to engage with the Gospel of John through Scripture, art, music, and poetry. It’s perfect for those who want a meaningful start to their day.
9. Journey to the Cross by Paul David Tripp: Paul David Tripp’s devotional encourages us to set aside time to focus on Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice. Through short, impactful readings, we’re reminded of the abundant joy found in Christ.
10. ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus from The Daily Grace Co.: This 40-day Lent Bible study walks us through Jesus’ most well-known words in the Gospels. It helps us understand who Jesus is, what He values, and what it means to follow Him, culminating in His final words from the cross.
No matter which resource you choose, remember that Lent is a season of reflection and preparation. Let’s use this time to draw closer to Jesus, deepen our faith, and prepare our hearts to celebrate the joy of Easter!
