Author’s Note: How many times do we read a list of ideas for Lent and feel the need to do them all as if it is a checklist? It is easy to go overboard! That is when the wheels quickly come off. We can get so caught up in doing everything perfectly that it is easy to not want to do anything at all. This is not that type of list. Pick something simple, stick to it, and allow yourself grace. Christ does not demand a perfectly checked off list – He only asks for ongoing conversion.
I always think of Lent as a reset button on the new year. Forty days set aside to prepare our hearts for Easter. Forty days to focus on our spiritual lives and dive into deeper relationship with our Lord.
This Lent, we challenge you to find ways to grow in your relationship with Christ in partnership with your spouse. You are on the path to heaven together. One small thing can lead to holiness.
When deciding how to observe Lent, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel! The Church, in her wisdom, has given us so many things we can do. Remember the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Ask God to help you and your spouse discern where He is calling you to grow this Lent. Pray about what will positively impact your marriage and spiritual life.
Some important foundations for natural family planning being implemented effectively as a couple are prayer, sacrifice, and communication. We hope this list can help you grow in these areas with Christ and your spouse this Lent.
Ways to Observe Lent as a Couple
Prayer
- Pray together daily.
- Read Scripture together. The daily Mass readings are a great place to start.
- Do the Stations of the Cross as a family each Friday. (Did you know these can be done at home if you are unable to make it to your parish?)
- Go to daily Mass once a week – or more often if possible!
- Pray a daily Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet.
- Learn a new devotion together.
Fasting
- Abstain from eating out or getting take-out during Lent. Spend time cooking together or make a special meal for your spouse.
- Have a “no spend Lent” and work as a couple to refrain from buying anything beyond the necessities during Lent.
- Fast from phones when you are with your spouse, even if just for a set period of time each day.
- Turn off the TV on the evenings. Use that time to play and pray as a family.
- Pick a day each week to fast.
Almsgiving
- Give your time and volunteer at your church or community organization together.
- Spend a time together to go through your home and ask how you can live more simply. Find things that can be donated to those in need.
- Donate financially to your parish.
- Cook dinner at home or forego the coffee runs and donate the money each week to a favorite charity.
Other Ideas
- Wake up earlier than usual. Use the extra time to pray together and connect with one another.
- Go together to a Natural Family Planning intro session or meet with your instructor for a follow up appointment. Make a date night of it and go to dinner and adoration, too!
- Go on a marriage retreat.
- Learn more about your faith and talk about it as a family. Find a book, podcast, or TV series that can help and dive in together.
- Do one small act of love for each other each day. Tap into your spouse’s love language!
Do you have any other ideas for observing Lent as a couple? Let us know in the comments!
Please know the Office of NFP is praying for you.