The 39 Day Challenge
The practice of Lent is a lesson in obedience and an opportunity to represent the steadfast love of Christ.
“So after they had fasted and prayed,
they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
– Acts 13:3
Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and repentance observed by many Christian denominations, leading up to Easter Sunday. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. The 40 days represent the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness while being tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11).
Key Aspects of Lent:
- Repentance & Reflection – A time to turn away from sin and grow closer to God.
- Fasting & Sacrifice – Many give up certain foods, habits, or luxuries as a way of focusing on God.
- Prayer & Scripture – Increased time spent in prayer, Bible study, and worship.
- Acts of Service & Charity – Helping others, especially the needy, as a form of spiritual discipline.
Common Lenten Practices:
- Ash Wednesday: Many receive ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of repentance.
- Fasting & Abstinence: Some fast on certain days or give up meat on Fridays.
- Giving Something Up: People may abstain from sweets, social media, or other comforts.
- Taking Something On: Others commit to daily Bible reading, extra prayer, or acts of kindness.
Lent prepares believers for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter, emphasizing spiritual renewal, humility, and dependence on God. Would you like suggestions on how to observe Lent in a meaningful way?
Ash Wednesday this year (2025) begins on March 5th and ends on April 19th.
Jesus suffered 39 strips for us. Thirty-nine were chosen because 40 strips were known to kill a man. Christ was willing to endure 39 strips for the free gift of salvation for us; we also should be willing to ‘give’ 39 demonstrations that reflect His tenacity.
To complete this challenge, you must perform 39 acts of giving from the options below (or create your own). You can choose from one or all of the items.
Act of Kindness: intentionally perform one act of kindness per day—whether it’s paying for someone’s coffee, sending an encouraging text, or helping a neighbor.
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Prayer Partner 30-day challenge: commit to praying for each other daily for 30 days. Be specific with one person, pray over the phone, or in person.
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Scripture Study Challenge: Read and document a portion of scripture without missing a day for ten days; journal your thoughts gained from the scripture.
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Hospitality Mission: Host or bless one person/family—whether inviting someone for coffee, cooking a meal for a family in need, or welcoming someone to a group event.
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The Barnabas Challenge: Uplift others by writing an encouraging note, sending an encouraging text, or making calls to people who need support.
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Community Service Challenge: Pick a local cause (shelter, food bank, nursing home) and commit to serve there one in this challenge or more often.
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Gratitude Challenge: Each day, write down one thing they are grateful for and share how gratitude is shifting your perspective.
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Generosity Challenge: Set a goal to give in a new way this month…could be finances, time, or talents. Example: donate gently used clothing, share a Bible verse with someone without sounding pious, support a struggling family.
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Bold Witness Evangelism Challenge: Share your faith with at least one person during this challenge through your personal testimony.
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Scripture Memory: Memorize a Bible verse that you haven’t already memorized and write down how it applies to your daily life.
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Your Own Option: Decide what you can do to reflect the nature of Christ in giving.
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Total Score: _________________________________
May God Richly Bless you as you complete this Challenge! Look for the Lessons!
