The Lenten Journey 2026: Fasting, Prayer, and Almsgiving.

The Lent Journey is comprised of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. These practices date back to the time of Jesus, but what is their purpose in the context of Lent? The purpose of these penitential acts is to prepare a person for Easter Sunday and to cleanse their soul.

Fasting is the self-denial of food. The Catholic rules for fasting (for those aged 18 to 59) are to eat one normal meal, and two smaller meals not equaling one meal. Prayer is something that is encouraged to be done daily. Almsgiving is the practice of giving your money away to charity. Are these rules too stringent for you?

Lent Fasting

The most demanding practice of Lent is fasting. Fasting means eating one normal meal a day, and two smaller meals not equaling the normal one. Fasts are required on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Some extend their Good Friday fast through Holy Saturday. There is no restriction on the consumption of water, so drink plenty of it. Other drinks, such as coffee, tea, and juice, are permitted.

Here are two other useful tips for fasting. First, eat a big meal late the night before you fast. This way you should be full. Second, take a long nap during your fast. In this way, you will effectively shorten the period of fasting.

Lent Prayer

Saint Barsanphius , Saint Kevin, Herod Antipas, Saint Clare of Montefalco, Saint Barasanphius — Photo by Ashley Fontana | Courtesy of Pexels

Prayer is the second part. There are many forms of prayer that one can use to enhance their prayer life. One example is to read the Bible. Several phone applications can help you. This idea is particularly useful to those who do not know scripture well. A second idea for enhancing prayer is to pray the rosary daily. Another idea is to take advantage of the many opportunities, such as Eucharistic Adoration and Reconciliation, offered by Catholic Parishes.

Lent Almsgiving

The third important component of Lent is Almsgiving. Almsgiving is the donation of your money to charitable pursuits. You can also donate your time, service, and acts of mercy. There are many such outlets available, but one that is available is specific to the season. Many Catholic Parishes have something called The Bishop’s Lenten Appeal. This fundraising effort benefits several charities, and as such, is probably a good idea. Any charitable cause is acceptable.

Another idea for Almsgiving is to randomly send money (in the form of cash) to people. This idea is a great form of charitable giving if you do it anonymously. You do not need to send a large amount. Happiness and surprise are the ideas.

The Point

The main idea behind all of these actions is for a person to prepare for Easter Sunday. A secondary objective is to cleanse the soul by doing some difficult things. These practices are being done now, so they are of modern relevance and cultural significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The three main components of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
The purpose of doing these things is to prepare a person for Easter Sunday.
The 40-day Lenten period developed over time and was standardized in the 4th century.
Lent is 40 days long plus Sundays.

Parting Shots

The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday, which was February 18, 2026. The season continues for forty-six days (excluding Sundays) until Easter Sunday. The reader needs to know what is happening. This article is designed such that the three components of Lent are clearly explained, and the reason for them is explained.

Disclaimer: This article contains a summary of the practices of Lent as well as interpretive insights from the author. Interpretations of church teachings can differ, and this piece represents one approach.