The Benefits of Adding a Spiritual Discipline for Lent

Lent for Protestants

I love the practice of Lent. When it was first introduced to me years ago as something Protestants could participate in, I was at first dubious, but I’ve since see the benefits of both participating in Lent but also of adding a spiritual discipline for Lent.

In the past, I’d seen it almost as a mockery of what Christ really did because I’d met people who gave up (what seemed to me) frivolous (at the time) things. And maybe it was just one friend’s attitude to it all.

Anyway, when it was better explained to me what was really happening, a time of repentance and entering into some of what Jesus experienced during his 40 days in the wilderness, as a lead up to the acts of Holy Week (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday), I began to warm to the idea.

Connection to the Past

I was in a church in the denomination I’d grown up in (the Presbyterian Church of America). This church was different though.

They practiced and worshiped with a liturgy, a more traditional style and an ordered, consistent flow of the service. It was a blend of what you might find in an Episcopal, Anglican, Lutheran, maybe even Catholic church, but with Presbyterian language and content. (Learn why I decided to join the Episcopal Church several years later.)

Because this style of service was fairly foreign to most of us, they did a great job explaining some of the ancient things and why they were good. They explained the connection of this style of worship to the past history of the church.

Things to Do for Lent

A handout we were given spoke about giving up things as abstaining or fasting from them, like Jesus did in the wilderness.

It also talked about adding things, like spiritual disciplines. This was a new concept to me as well.

I have since tried both practices. There was the year I gave up slurpees and candy while pregnant, because it was necessary, and I was addicted. There was an immediate pressing need that I was burdened about needing to get rid of.

The Benefits of Adding a Spiritual Discipline

I’ve had the most “pleasure” or deepening of my faith though, when I’ve added a spiritual discipline during Lent.

Now, I may have just lost you there, especially if you’re thinking, “I can’t add one more thing to my already full life and schedule.”

But hear me out.

These practices have benefitted my spiritual life.

The Benefits of Adding Prayer as a Spiritual Discipline for Lent

One year I added daily prayer, specifically prayer for my small group (you need one, trust me). We did prayer requests every week, and maybe I’d write them down, but before this, I’d never really remembered to pray for them during the week.

I found that when I added the spiritual discipline of daily prayer for Lent, I was much more in tune with my friends and their lives.

I remembered to ask them about their request and how it was going.

And, I could check in during the week if their request happened on a specific day.

In short, I became a better friend and Christian to them during that time.

The Benefits of Adding Bible Reading as a Spiritual Discipline for Lent

Several years ago, I read through the Psalms during Lent by carving out time during an activity that I already was doing but not using my time well during it.

I have a whole other post about 10 things I learned from reading the psalms in 21 days.

One of the main benefits I found was that the psalms encourage us to cry out to God, to get angry, to pray, to cry, but ultimately to find our hope and rest in God. 

I learned so much about God by adding Bible reading as a spiritual discipline during Lent. It was a true blessing.

Other Benefits of Adding a Spiritual Discipline for Lent

The benefits of adding a practice is that it helps you focus.

But there’s also a finite period around it. There’s a limit. Because let’s face it, you’ve got kids and committing to anything more than 40 days is overwhelming!

Another thing I like is that it forces you to be deliberate about it. You can’t make the usual excuses about why you should do something else (usually that won’t benefit your soul.)

When I have added something, like daily prayer or like reading the Psalms and Proverbs, I pay more attention to what I’m reading, because I’m doing it consistently.

Have you ever considered adding a spiritual discipline during Lent? What’s something you’ve added and how has it benefited you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! (Comment below.)

More Lenten posts

To easily find all Lenten posts, browse here and don’t forget to share them!

• Meatless Fridays in Lent: Teaching Kids About Faith
• 4 Things to Do for Lent in a Pandemic
• What You Need to Do to Prepare for Lent
• How Observing Lent Helps You Find Time for God
• Reading the Psalms: Advice for a Busy Mom
• The Way of the Cross: Ash Wednesday Homily by Father David Miller