Last days of Lent: Spiritual practices for deeper faith.

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Day 30 of Lent: How to deepen your prayer life during the last days of Lent

The season of Lent is a profound 40-day journey of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, culminating in the sacred Triduum and the joy of Easter. As we reach Day 30 of Lent, the final stretch offers a unique opportunity to deepen your prayer life and draw closer to God. Whether you’ve been consistent in your Lenten practices or feel you’ve fallen short, these last days are a chance for renewal.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical, historically rooted, and spiritually enriching ways to enhance your prayer life as Lent draws to a close. By embracing these practices, you can enter Holy Week with a heart fully prepared to commemorate Christ’s Passion and celebrate His Resurrection.

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1. Return to the basics: The power of silent prayer

In the last days of Lent, silence becomes a sacred doorway to encountering God. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16), modeling the importance of stillness. The early Church Fathers, like St John of the Cross and St Teresa of Ávila, emphasised contemplative prayer—a practice of resting in God’s presence without words.

How to practise silent prayer:

Set aside 10-15 minutes daily in a quiet space.

Focus on a Scripture verse (e.g., “Be still and know that I am God” – Psalm 46:10).

Let go of distractions and simply abide in God’s presence.

This practice aligns with the ancient Christian tradition of hesychasm (stillness prayer), which monks in the 4th century Desert Fathers movement cultivated.

2. Incorporate the Psalms into your daily prayer

The Psalms have been the prayer book of the Church for millennia. During the final days of Lent, praying the Psalms—especially the Penitential Psalms (Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143)—can help you express sorrow, hope, and trust in God’s mercy.

Why the Psalms?

Jesus prayed them (Matt. 27:46 quotes Psalm 22).

Monastics since the 3rd century have chanted them daily.

They cover every human emotion, making them perfect for Lenten reflection.

Try this: Pray Psalm 51 (“Have mercy on me, O God…”) each morning, meditating on God’s forgiveness.

3. Engage in Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading)

Lectio Divina, a Benedictine prayer method dating back to the 6th century, is ideal for Lent’s closing days. It involves slow, reflective Scripture reading, allowing God to speak personally to you.

Four steps of Lectio Divina:

Lectio (Reading): Slowly read a short Bible passage (e.g., John 19, Christ’s Passion).
Meditatio (Meditation): Reflect on what stands out.
Oratio (Prayer): Respond to God in your own words.
Contemplatio (Contemplation): Rest in God’s presence.

This method helps internalise Scripture, making Christ’s sacrifice more vivid as Holy Week approaches.

4. Participate in the Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross, a devotion tracing Christ’s final hours, originated with pilgrims in Jerusalem retracing Jesus’ steps. By the 15th century, Franciscans popularised it worldwide.

Why pray the Stations in the last days of Lent?

It prepares your heart for Good Friday.

It fosters compassion and gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice.

Many churches offer live Stations on Fridays in Lent.

Can’t attend in person?

Use a Stations of the Cross booklet or video.

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5. Make a thorough examination of conscience

Lent is a season of repentance and conversion. As we near Easter, a deep examination of conscience ensures we approach the Resurrection with cleansed hearts.

How to do it:

Review the 10 Commandments or the Beatitudes.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal hidden sins.

Use the Ignatian Examen (a 5-step reflection by St Ignatius Loyola).

Then, go to Confession—the Church’s gift of reconciliation—before Easter.

6. Increase fasting and almsgiving

The last days of Lent call for greater sacrifice, mirroring Jesus’ 40-day fast (Matt. 4:2). The early Church intensified fasting in Holy Week, a tradition still alive today.

Practical ways to deepen fasting:

Skip a meal and donate the savings to the poor.

Fast from distractions (social media, TV) to focus on prayer.

Almsgiving ideas:

Support a local charity or food bank.

Perform hidden acts of kindness (pay for someone’s meal anonymously).

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7. Pray the Liturgy of the Hours

The Liturgy of the Hours, prayed by priests, religious, and laypeople since the 4th century, sanctifies each day with Psalms and readings.

Why pray it now?

It unites you with the global Church’s prayer rhythm.

The Office of Readings includes rich Lenten meditations.

Start simple:

Download the iBreviary or Universalis app.

Pray Morning and Evening Prayer.

8. Prepare for the Triduum with intention

The Sacred Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday) is the climax of Lent. Use these final days to:

Read the Passion narratives (Matt. 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, John 18-19).

Attend all Triduum services if possible.

Keep Holy Saturday silent, reflecting on Christ in the tomb.

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Entering Holy Week with a renewed heart

The last days of Lent are not just an ending—they’re a holy invitation to go deeper. By embracing silent prayer, the Psalms, Lectio Divina, the Stations of the Cross, confession, fasting, and the Liturgy of the Hours, you prepare your soul for the greatest mystery of faith: Christ’s Death and Resurrection.

As Day 30 of Lent leads us toward Holy Week, may your prayer life flourish, drawing you into the heart of God’s love and mercy.

Final thought:
“Lent is the fitting time to… rediscover the joy of trusting in the Father’s mercy.” —Pope Francis

By following these time-tested, spiritually rich practices, you’ll ensure the last days of Lent are your most transformative yet.

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