Prayer Practices to Transform Your Lent

Have you ever felt like your prayer life needed a reset? Like you wanted to connect with God more deeply but didn't know where to start?

As we enter the season of Lent, we step into forty days of slowing down, reflecting, and drawing closer to God. For those unfamiliar, Lent is the 40-day period before Easter when Christians traditionally prepare their hearts through prayer, fasting, and reflection. But here's what I want you to know: Lent isn't about spiritual perfection—it's about intentional connection. So today, I want to share three simple prayer practices you might try during this season.

Breath Prayer: Finding God in Every Moment

Lent reminds us that we are dust… and breath. This connects us to Genesis 2:7, where God breathed life into humanity, reminding us that every breath is a gift from our Creator.

A breath prayer is short and simple. As you inhale, pray a phrase like, 'Lord Jesus Christ…' and as you exhale, 'Have mercy on me.' This ancient prayer, known as the Jesus Prayer, has been used by Christians for centuries to maintain a constant connection with God.

The beauty of breath prayer is its accessibility. You can do this in the car, at your desk, while walking the dog—anywhere. It recenters your heart in just a few seconds.

Whether you're stuck in traffic, facing a difficult conversation, or simply need a moment of peace, breath prayer transforms ordinary moments into sacred encounters.

Scripture Prayer: Letting God's Word Speak 

Instead of rushing through Bible reading like a checklist, Scripture prayer invites us to slow down. Choose one short Scripture each week. Read it slowly. Then ask: What word stands out to me? What is God inviting me to notice?

This practice, often called Lectio Divina or "divine reading," has roots going back to early Christian monastics. Instead of rushing through chapters, linger over a few verses. Let God speak. You might choose a familiar passage like Psalm 23 or John 3:16, or explore something new. The goal isn't to analyze or study—it's to listen for God's voice speaking directly to your heart through His Word.

The Prayer of Examen: Daily Reflection with God

At the end of each day, pause and ask two simple questions: Where did I notice God today? Where did I miss an opportunity to love?" This practice, developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, helps us recognize God's presence in ordinary moments and grow in self-awareness.

The Prayer of Examen isn't about judgment or condemnation. Instead, it's about honest reflection followed by grace. Give thanks. Receive grace. Begin again tomorrow. You might notice God in a stranger's kindness, a beautiful sunset, or a moment of unexpected peace. You might also recognize missed opportunities to show love or patience. Both observations become doorways to deeper relationship with God.

Making Room, Not Adding Pressure 

Here's what I want you to remember: Lent is not about adding pressure to your life. It's about making room. Making room for God's voice. Making room for honesty. Making room for grace.

These prayer practices aren't meant to become another burden on your already busy schedule. They're invitations to discover God in the life you're already living.

So, as we journey toward the cross and ultimately toward Easter hope, may your prayer life become less about performance… and more about presence.

Putting It Into Practice 

Ready to begin? Here are your next steps:

This Week: Choose one of these three prayer practices to try. Start small—even five minutes makes a difference.

Daily: If you choose breath prayer, practice it during routine activities. For Scripture prayer, select one verse to carry with you all week. For the Prayer of Examen, set aside a few minutes before bed.

Remember: This journey isn't about perfection. It's about showing up, day after day, making room for God's presence in your life.

Let's walk these forty days together. Grace and peace.

- Rev. Terri Swan