The first day of Lent is observed as Ash Wednesday in many churches and continues for 40 days, excluding Sundays, through Easter/Resurrection Day.
If you’re anything like me, you’re still looking for a family study or activity to use as you observe Lent, even at this late hour! :)
There are several devotionals we have enjoyed in years past and a new one that is especially for young women and moms that I know you will love!
These ten recommendations provide ideas for encouraging your family to discover the deep meaning of the Lenten season, when we fix our minds on the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ, connecting his great sacrifice to our own sinfulness and need for God.
1. Countdown to Easter – Daily Lenten Devotionals for Children by Ruth Geisler
I have not used this devotional yet but it was recommended by a friend. Each devotional reading in Countdown to Easter is brief, making it perfect for busy mornings or a quick family meditation on the go!
Recommended for children ages 2-7.
2. Holey, Wholly, Holy: A Lenten Journey of Refinement by Kris Camealy
In this book, you will find encouragement and a truthful understanding of what it means to be holey (broken in sin), wholly (surrendered to God), and holy (claiming the gift of grace through Christ). I gave this devotional to a friend last year and she absolutely loved it! Perfect for anyone who struggles with who they are and needs gospel comfort.
I would recommend this devotional for women and possibly couples.
3. Sense of the Resurrection by Amanda White from ohAmanda
A Sense of the Resurrection: an Easter Experience for Families contains 12 fun, hands-on, easy, meaningful activities to help your kids come face to face with the Easter story. We are SO looking forward to incorporating this devotional this year.
It can be used during the Lenten season (though closer to Resurrection Sunday is best) and because there are 12 lessons, you can do one every few days if you’d like. I don’t want to be rushed and feel like I have to make a big production every single day so this is perfect for us.
I recommend this devotional for the whole family! It is a printable/digital resource.
4. The Way to the Savior by Jeff & Abbey Land
The Way to the Savior: An Easter Devotional for Families, is a great way to engage your young children in learning about different aspects of Lent and how they point to Jesus.
Written by parents Jeff and Abbey Land, it is a beautiful watercolor-illustrated book filled with Lent and Easter-focused devotions that contain discussion questions, easy family activities, and prayers to help you have meaningful conversations with your kids about Jesus’ death and resurrection. We’re excited to try it in our home this year!
I also recommend this devotional for the whole family!
5. Lenten Lights from Desiring God (Noel Piper)
In this free resource, you can find eight Biblical devotions to prepare your hearts for Resurrection Sunday. It can be used weekly or daily (in the week leading up to Easter).
Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
These devotions, which can be received via email or listened to online are written by a pastor from a Biblically conservative branch of the Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod). The Lutherans specialize in Lent, so to speak, so these are definitely worth a listen or read!
These could definitely be used with your whole family or as solo readings for yourself :)
6. The Word Became Flesh: Lenten Devotional Guide for Families
The Word Became Flesh takes you through 40 devotions centered on the life of Christ, from birth to ascension. It also includes the option to create a wreath of ornaments (similar to what you might do around Christmas with a Jesse Tree) but that part is totally optional!
Recommended for families with children ages 7 and up.
7. The Wonder of Easter: An Easter Journey for the Whole Family
Walk together through Luke’s Gospel to discover why the account of Jesus’ death and resurrection is the most amazing story ever told in The Wonder of Easter. Find it at Christian Book stores online.
I recommend this resource for the whole family.
8. What’s in the Bible: Jesus is the Good News
What’s in the Bible: Jesus is the Good News is actually an hour-long video (part of a larger series) that walks kids through the Old Testament prophecies Jesus fulfilled and explains the reason for His death and resurrection, allowing our kids to understand and apply Truth to their hearts!
Currently, you can buy it or rent it on Amazon to watch at home.
We love every single What’s in the Bible because this series does a great job of tying together historical information to Biblical truth, teaching our kids that God’s Word is real and able to change the world!
9. A Jesus Easter
A Jesus Easter is a great family devotional that is written by the same author who created A Jesus Christmas (which our family loves!). Engaging daily devotions most enjoyed by children ages 6-16.
10. Waiting in Wonder for Easter: Family Devotions for Holy Week
There are 15 devotions in this family study “Waiting in Wonder” that are great to do during Holy Week and the week previous to it. Or do a devotion about every other day during the season of Lent.
Recommended for ages 3-8.
11. The Jesus Tree – 48 Family Devotions for Lent
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Lent with the children in your life? What if you could learn more about Jesus’ life at the same time? The Jesus Tree is a creative resource that helps us focus on Jesus in the weeks leading up to Easter.
BONUS: I couldn’t go without mentioning Wait Only Upon God: 40 Days of Praying the Scriptures in the Waiting by a friend of mine, Candace Crabtree. I’d recommend it for your own personal devotional time!
Have a blessed Lenten season!
Add to your daily devotional time with our Lenten Printable Prayer Chain! Subscribe in the box below and I’ll send it as a free printable to your email inbox. :)
Pray through Scripture for the 40 Days of Lent!
