Today is the first day of Lent, the 40 days of fasting before Easter (Not including Sundays, always a feast day, so the time period is actually a little longer than 40 days.)   As someone who comes from a very informal religious tradition, I came late to this rather formal religious observation. However, it’s become one of my favorite seasons.  There are no secular distractions to distort the meaning of the season.  Particularly in this country, the culture isn’t about to try to co-opt a season of fasting.

Last year, I wrote the whys and wherefores a Protestant should observe Lent.  This year, I thought I’d share resources to help you in your Lent observations.

Noel Piper has a wonderful set of devotions called Lenten Lights that mirrors Advent celebrations.  These 8 devotions cover the Sundays leading up to Easter, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  You also use it just for Holy Week.

The other Piper, John, has a book called “50 Reasons why Jesus Came to Die.”  You can get the pdf for free, or buy the book in kindle or booky-book format. (Incidentally, how awesome is Desiring God that they offer all their resource, I think, in free pdf format?  Very awesome, that’s what!)

Another devotional tool that’s great if you have young kids is a Lenten Tree.  This is the book we’re using.  Of course, that doesn’t do you a lot of good today, but it’s a great little book. Actually, if you order it today, you wouldn’t be so far behind that you couldn’t catch up.  The devotionals are very short for families.  There are also adult devotions.  (Here’s the companion book for an Advent Jesse Tree.)

A Lenten Tree is a great way to help little ones focus on the season, and they don’t have to be complex or “artisan” to be meaningful.  Even printouts or simple drawings help life our eyes to Christ and his sacrifice.  This is a simple list of symbols and scriptures.

Here’s another free resource, with printable Lenten Tree activities.  Scroll down a little for the free Lenten Tree resources.

The Lutheran’s have put out some free devotions. Very nice of them.

Bible Gateway has a collection of Lenten Devotions.

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However you observe Lent, and I hope you do, may you grow closer to the One who gave His life for you.

UPDATE:

Lots of people are putting out resources for Lent, so I’ll add them here throughout the day.  Feel free to post your resource in the comments!

40 Acts, a generosity challenge through Lent.  Via the always wonderful Amelia Hamilton.

Thoughts on why Lent is for all Christians with resources listed at the bottom from Eric Metaxas.

A free Lenten Tree resource via my friend Kim.

Another great link from my friend Erika with a suggested prayer focus based on the Prayer of St. Francis. I like that.