5 Ways to Draw Close to God this Lent

It’s always bittersweet, taking down the Christmas decorations. The living room looks cold and bare without the twinkling tree and I miss the crèche above the mantel. “God is with us”! it seemed to say whenever I passed by.

Today I hear a different voice: “Come.” As in,

Come on back.
Now that I’m here: where have you gone?

It’s true, I’ve taken a bit of a spiritual break after the concentrated focus of Advent. Fortunately, Lent is right around the corner. I’ll need it to remind me of my need. Like my stark living room, it creates a hunger in my soul. A yearning for God.

Lent is less than a month away, but it’s not too soon to plan how you’ll spend it drawing close to the One who calls you. Here are five suggestions to help you find the Lord in his Word and prepare your heart: several free lenten reading plans; an online retreat; and a guided journal.

Whatever you choose to do, I’d love to hear how it goes! You can email me at sarah@comeintotheword.com.

1. Reflect on the Mass readings

Read along with the Church and meditate on the Ash Wednesday and Sunday readings throughout each following week. Download 40 Days in the Word, my free Monday-Friday, lectio divina reading plan for this year’s Lent and Easter Seasons.

2. Join me for an online Lent retreat

We are made for God. And ultimately, only he can satisfy us! Seek the Lord with me in the reflections I’m offering as part of the on-line Pray More Lent Retreat.

We’ll look at why the “desert” of our Lenten observances is a perfect place to withdraw, to seek him. We’ll join Jesus during his temptation in the desert … beside a well in Samaria … and at the tomb of Lazarus. All to learn more about our own longing and how to point it to Jesus. And we will reflect on psalms that meet us in that spot and help us life our hearts to the Lord.

Pray More retreats are a wonderful way to deepen your faith from the privacy of your home. Learn more and register here.

3. Read through a Gospel during Lent

Take an intentional journey through a gospel: either Matthew, which the Mass readings are focusing on all during this year, or John, which is the highlight of every Easter season.

These two reading plans take you through Jesus’s life, and ministry and into his passion, death, and resurrection just as we are celebrating those things as a Church. To journal as you go, record the date and passage you read that day along with your observations, questions, what it means to your life and how you respond to God.

Download one of the free reading checklists here:

• Matthew’s Gospel in 40 Days
• John’s Gospel in 40 Days

 

4. Meditate on the Penitential Psalms

Discover the time-tested practice of praying with the Penitential Psalms during Lent, either daily or on Fridays. This collection of seven psalms has been a source of heartfelt repentance and renewal since the early days of the Church.

Read more about them here.

Here’s a free download with instructions for praying these psalms for intentions related to the seven capital (“deadly”) sins: How to Pray the Penitential Psalms 

Or, let me guide you through a lectio divina-based reflection and journal prompts that will help you meditate on them deeply throughout Lent. Ten years ago, I made this available as a simple guided journal. Since then, thousands of people have used Create in Me a Clean Heart: Ten Minutes a Day in the Penitential Psalms to chronicle their Lenten journey.

Order your copy from Amazon or order a signed copy from me. I’m also offering 20% off of five copies for use in small groups. Free shipping applies to orders within the contiguous U.S.

• Order Create in Me from Amazon
• Order a signed copy of Create in Me from me (free shipping)
• Order five (5) signed copies of Create in Me sent to one address (20% off, free shipping)

 

5. Explore Lent-related themes in Scripture

Daily readings in this plan from the Living the Word Catholic Women’s Bible are grouped under weekly themes like “We are dust” and “in the Wilderness,” “Toward hope,” and “Called to die” — taking you on a scriptural tour from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday.

Download the free pdf here, or order the Bible here.

Blessings on you as you read His word!

 

© 2026 Sarah Christmyer