Lent 2026 starts on Ash Wednesday, 18th February and finishes on Holy Saturday, 4th April
This webpage gives some suggestions for activities/prayers during Lent.
Prayer
As we begin the Lenten Season let’s pause and reflect on where we want to be in 40 days
In the words of Pope Francis:
Let us pray that as we begin the season of lent we embrace the opportunity to:
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness and fill our hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent so we can listen.
We pray that our only desire and our one choice is to choose what better leads to the deepening of God’s life in us.
Draw Near: Life-giving Habits for Lent
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4.8
This Lent we are encouraged to put down deep roots of hope by connecting with God who is with us at all times.
The Church of England’s theme for Lent 2026 is Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent.
This year’s resources have at their heart the theme of a ‘rhythm of life’ – habits and patterns which help us grow as disciples of Christ day by day, especially as we prepare to celebrate the great mystery of God’s saving love at Easter.
During Lent, reflections are centred around a summary of the Christian Way from Common Worship, which identifies six activities essential to our calling as disciples.
Each week a different contributor explores a different aspect of Christian discipleship – worshipping together, praying, exploring the Bible, sharing communion, offering service and sharing the good news with others.
A parallel 40-day challenge for families and children will also be available – exploring the life-giving habit of generosity in partnership with 40acts (see below).
Daily reflections via Everyday Faith app: The Everyday Faith app will carry reflections for adults every Monday to Saturday throughout Lent, based on the booklet. And, of course, the Everyday Faith app will continue to offer content into the season of Easter and beyond throughout 2026. It is available to download here.
To learn more, go to Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent | The Church of England
Draw Near Family Wallchart
Developed in partnership with 40acts (see below).
40acts
40acts is a simple idea that flips a season rich in church history: a 40-day generosity challenge, during Lent, that helps you build habits, grow in faith and bless the people around you, one small act at a time.
Lent is a special time to remember what Jesus did for us. He gave up everything so that we could know God’s love and be part of his kingdom.
With 40acts, this year we invite you to turn that on its head: give things away, give time, give encouragement, and discover the joy of walking in generosity.
Doing 40acts this Lent is a way for all of us to start learning how to live generously. Together, we can practise a generous way of living that that helps build love, hope and joy into the world.
Let’s do Lent generously
Every day there will be a new challenge.
From writing a note of encouragement to someone, to buying a gift for a friend.
All you’ve got to do is sign up and respond to the daily prompts.
Give it a go and see if it doesn’t grow your heart in generosity towards your neighbour.
Sign up to 40acts 2026 today!
40acts with children
This Lent, 40acts are releasing a range of creative, faith-filled resources to help children engage daily with generosity and gladness. For full details see:
Help children do Lent generously with 40acts
40acts Family Wallchart
Download the wallchart and tick off any of the 40 Acts as you do them.
Carbon Fast for Lent
In the Bible, caring for creation is God’s first instruction to humans. This Lent, a time when Christians traditionally fast and focus on God, we encourage you to take up our Lent challenge – living more simply and finding new ways to cut your carbon footprint.
How to do a carbon fast – Leckhampton PCC
You can get support by signing up on the Climate Steward website (see below).
How the Climate Steward Carbon Fast works:
Each week will feature a different theme designed to help us take climate action. Sign up below and beginning on 18th February, you will receive a weekly email containing some key facts, suggestions for how you could reduce your carbon footprint, and a prayer. If you signed up for the 2025 Carbon Fast and would like to take part again this year, please sign up again so we can update our records.
To sign up, go to Carbon Fast for Lent | Climate Stewards
Resources detailing the weekly themes are available at Carbon Fast Resources | Climate Stewards
Connect with our Creator and God’s creation during Lent
EcoChurch Resources from A Rocha
The 40-day Lent period before Easter gives us the opportunity to reflect on the practice of fasting and commit to giving up something that brings a real benefit to nature and helps address climate change. Keep reading for ideas to use as a church, as a family or as an individual.
Connect with our Creator and God’s creation during Lent – A Rocha UK
Foodbank Donations during Lent
Donate an item of food each day throughout Lent to the CCP box at St Peter’s or to another Foodbank. See examples below:
