Preparing for Lent

As Protestant Christians, Lent is not a religious duty or requirement in any way. In fact there is no Biblical command to utilize the days leading up to Easter in any particular way. There is nothing we must do during this season. But for those who are looking for a chance to be intentional and utilize the coming season to lean into the reality of the Gospel, to create space in their life to press into Jesus in new and intentional ways, or to grow in their faith, below are three optional resources we recommend to come alongside you in that journey. 

Day of Fasting - February 18th

To kick off the season of Lent, we invite you to consider spending February 18th in prayer and fasting. Fasting is not commanded to us in Scripture, but we do see several examples in the Old and New Testaments. The practice of fasting has been used throughout church history to expose the weakness of the flesh and create a new dependance on Christ. Fasting helps us order our life priorities, reminding us that we do not live on bread alone, but on the very word of God (Matt. 4:4). If you choose to participate, consider what you will fast from, and replace the time spent on that activity with prayer and meditation on Scripture. We will gather as a church to worship together later this evening, and invite you to break your fast in community, following the service.

Prayer & Worship Night

On the evening of our Day of Fasting (Wed., Feb. 18th), we will gather and have simple worship music, as well as opportunities to engage in various types of prayer. You're welcome to come and sit and enjoy the space, or pray with others as you are led. Childcare is available for children kindergarten and under upon registration. Children 1st grade and up are encouraged to participate in the service.
  • Date & Time: Wed., Feb. 18th, 2026 from 7pm - 8:15pm
  • Location: Day Star Academy (enter at 26 W. 16th St.)
  • Travel: free parking in the lot at 56 W. 16th St. & along 16th St. between S. State & S. Dearborn; accessible by the 62 -or- 29 bus  routes & it's closest to the Red Line Roosevelt stop

Register Here

Recommended Resources

Journey Through John

Pastor Raef (Park South Loop) and Pastor Eric Targe (Park Near North) co-authored this 40 day Lenten devotional that takes you on a journey through the entire Gospel of John. "Lent is a season to pull back from the regular rhythms of life, to develop new intentionality that aims to strengthen our resolve in Christ, to focus our vision, and to renew our eternal perspective. What better way to accomplish such heavenly ends than to slowly work our way through the Gospel of John? John, the Son of Thunder who became the Apostle of Love, beckons us to behold Christ in all of His glory." ~Pastor Raef
Download PDF Here

Bless The Lord

This resource is created by She Reads Truth, and in this 7 week study of the Psalms, you will be led to a posture of praise for the God who gave Himself to be our redemption. The Psalms will help us remember Christ's suffering, connect us to Him in grief and worship and looking to Him as our strength and the object of our adoration. And as these songs show us how to face the darkness of the world and our own sin, we respond by giving Jesus, our Savior, all glory and honor for his wondrous work."
Click here to access

Valley of Vision

The Valley of Vision is a book of powerful and beautifully written Puritan prayers and devotionals. They share themes of lament, confession, humility, mortification of sin, reliance on Christ, and others like these. Although it is not written specifically for Lent, this book provides an opportunity to help you focus intentionally on the beauty of Christ's sacrifice through this season. You can find a copy at most Chicago Public Libraries.
click here to access