Lent is a 40-day journey with Christ, and many Catholics seek a daily guide to help them pray consistently throughout the season. This Lenten prayer calendar offers a simple structure: one prayer per week, daily Scripture verses, and brief reflections to carry you from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.
Whether you pray in the morning to set your intention or in the evening to reflect on your day, this calendar will help you stay grounded in prayer throughout Lent 2026.
How to Use This Lenten Prayer Calendar
- Pray the weekly prayer each day for that week (or choose the daily prayer if provided).
- Read the daily Scripture verse slowly and reflectively.
- Reflect briefly on the question or meditation provided.
- Offer your day as a Lenten sacrifice—your work, struggles, and joys—to God.
You don’t need to be perfect. If you miss a day, simply begin again the next morning. God’s mercy meets you wherever you are.
As February 2 approaches, many Catholics prepare for the Presentation of the Lord by praying the Candlemas Novena, a Marian devotion focused on purification and renewal.
Week 1: Ash Wednesday – First Sunday of Lent (Feb 18–22)
Weekly Prayer: A Prayer for Repentance
Heavenly Father, as I begin this Lenten journey, I come before You with a humble heart. Forgive my sins, heal my brokenness, and help me to turn away from all that separates me from You. Grant me the grace to walk faithfully through these 40 days, growing closer to You each day. Amen.
Day 1 – Wednesday, February 18 (Ash Wednesday)
Scripture: Joel 2:12 – “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”
Reflection: Today, as you receive ashes, ask yourself: What do I need to turn away from? What does God want me to return to?
Day 2 – Thursday, February 19
Scripture: Matthew 6:6 – “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.”
Reflection: Prayer is not about being seen by others, but about honest conversation with God. Spend a few quiet minutes alone with Him today.
Day 3 – Friday, February 20
Scripture: Isaiah 58:6 – “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free?”
Reflection: True fasting is not just about food—it’s about freeing ourselves and others from sin, selfishness, and injustice.
Day 4 – Saturday, February 21
Scripture: Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Reflection: Only God can create a new heart. Ask Him today to renew you from within.
Day 5 – Sunday, February 22 (First Sunday of Lent)
Scripture: Matthew 4:4 – “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Reflection: Just as Jesus was tempted in the desert, we too face temptations. God’s Word sustains us when nothing else can.
Week 2: February 23–March 1
Weekly Prayer: A Prayer for Strength in Temptation
Lord Jesus, You know what it is to be tempted. When I am weak, be my strength. When I am tempted to sin, remind me of Your love. Help me to resist the devil and cling to You. Amen.
Day 6 – Monday, February 23
Scripture: James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial.”
Reflection: Temptation is not sin—it is an opportunity to grow in virtue. Trust that God will strengthen you.
Day 7 – Tuesday, February 24
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability.”
Reflection: No temptation is too great. God always provides a way out—if we ask Him.
Day 8 – Wednesday, February 25
Scripture: Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Reflection: Prayer, sacraments, and Scripture are your spiritual armor. Use them daily.
Day 9 – Thursday, February 26
Scripture: Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Reflection: Your strength does not come from willpower alone—it comes from Christ living in you.
Day 10 – Friday, February 27
Scripture: Matthew 26:41 – “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Reflection: Vigilance in prayer protects us from falling. Don’t rely on your own strength—stay close to Jesus.
Day 11 – Saturday, February 28
Scripture: Romans 12:21 – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Reflection: The best response to temptation is not just resistance, but choosing virtue.
Day 12 – Sunday, March 1 (Second Sunday of Lent)
Scripture: Matthew 17:5 – “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
Reflection: On the mountain of Transfiguration, God the Father speaks: Listen to Jesus. In the noise of life, are you truly listening?
Week 3: March 2–8
Weekly Prayer: A Prayer for Trust in God’s Plan
Heavenly Father, I do not always understand Your ways, but I trust that You are good. Help me to surrender my fears, my plans, and my need for control. I place my life in Your hands. Amen.
Daily Scriptures & Reflections:
- Day 13 (Mar 2): Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” – True trust means letting go of self-reliance.
- Day 14 (Mar 3): Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.” – God’s plan is always for your good.
- Day 15 (Mar 4): Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.” – Rest in His sovereignty.
- Day 16 (Mar 5): Matthew 6:34 – “Do not be anxious about tomorrow.” – Today’s grace is enough for today.
- Day 17 (Mar 6): Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you.” – God’s presence banishes fear.
- Day 18 (Mar 7): Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer… let your requests be made known to God.”
- Day 19 (Mar 8 – Third Sunday): John 4:14 – “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.” – Only Jesus satisfies.
Week 4: March 9–15
Weekly Prayer: A Prayer for Mercy and Forgiveness
Lord Jesus, You are rich in mercy. Forgive my sins and heal my heart. Help me to forgive those who have hurt me, just as You have forgiven me. Free me from bitterness and resentment. Amen.
Daily Scriptures & Reflections:
- Day 20 (Mar 9): Psalm 103:12 – “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”
- Day 21 (Mar 10): 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us.”
- Day 22 (Mar 11): Matthew 6:14 – “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
- Day 23 (Mar 12): Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.”
- Day 24 (Mar 13): Luke 6:37 – “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
- Day 25 (Mar 14): Colossians 3:13 – “As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
- Day 26 (Mar 15 – Fourth Sunday – Laetare Sunday): John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world.” – Rejoice! We are halfway through Lent.
Week 5: March 16–22
Weekly Prayer: A Prayer for Perseverance
Lord, as Lent continues, I feel weary. Strengthen me to finish well. Help me not to give up on prayer, fasting, or acts of charity. May I fix my eyes on You and press forward to Easter. Amen.
Daily Scriptures & Reflections:
- Day 27 (Mar 16): Hebrews 12:1 – “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
- Day 28 (Mar 17): Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not grow weary of doing good.”
- Day 29 (Mar 18): James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial.”
- Day 30 (Mar 19 – St. Joseph): Matthew 1:24 – “Joseph… did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” – Obedience even when it’s hard.
- Day 31 (Mar 20): 2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.”
- Day 32 (Mar 21): Revelation 2:10 – “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
- Day 33 (Mar 22 – Fifth Sunday): John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life.” – Jesus raises Lazarus. He will raise us too.
Week 6: March 23–29 (Approaching Holy Week)
Weekly Prayer: A Prayer of Gratitude for Christ’s Sacrifice
Lord Jesus, as I approach Holy Week, I am overwhelmed by what You endured for me. Thank You for Your suffering, Your death, and Your love. Help me to never take Your sacrifice for granted. Amen.
Daily Scriptures & Reflections:
- Day 34 (Mar 23): Isaiah 53:5 – “He was pierced for our transgressions.”
- Day 35 (Mar 24): Romans 5:8 – “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- Day 36 (Mar 25 – Annunciation): Luke 1:38 – “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
- Day 37 (Mar 26): 1 Peter 2:24 – “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree.”
- Day 38 (Mar 27): John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
- Day 39 (Mar 28): Philippians 2:8 – “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
- Day 40 (Mar 29 – Palm Sunday): Matthew 21:9 – “Hosanna to the Son of David!” – The journey to the cross begins.
Holy Week 2026: March 29 – April 5
The final week of Lent is the most sacred. Walk closely with Jesus through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
- Palm Sunday (March 29): Attend Mass and reflect on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
- Holy Monday–Wednesday (Mar 30–Apr 1): Pray the Stations of the Cross and prepare your heart for the Triduum.
- Holy Thursday (April 2): Commemorate the Last Supper. Attend Mass if possible.
- Good Friday (April 3): Fast and pray the Stations. Remember Christ’s Death on the cross.
- Holy Saturday (April 4): Rest in silence. Await the Resurrection.
- Easter Sunday (April 5): Rejoice! Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Continue Your Lenten Journey
Deepen your Lent with these prayers and devotions:
- Ash Wednesday Prayer 2026
- What to Give Up for Lent 2026
- Stations of the Cross – Short Version
- Complete Guide to Lent 2026
- Prayer for Your Lenten Sacrifice
If this prayer calendar has helped you stay faithful during Lent, share it with someone beginning their own journey. Sometimes all we need is a simple structure to help us pray—and God does the rest.
