Inspiring Lenten resources available for advocacy, prayer and reflection

LOUISVILLE — Presbyterians who are motivated to push back against Christian nationalism and other forms of prejudice have the opportunity to pick up a new Lenten devotional from Unbound, a publishing platform that speaks to the intersections of faith and justice.

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“The Tomb is Empty but the Streets are Full: An Activist Lenten Devotional” is one of multiple resources being offered by ministries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) or their partners for the season of Lent. 

Featuring activists such as the Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights & Social Justice and the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, who is PC(USA)'s advocacy director, Unbound's devotional provides practical ways to stand in solidarity with marginalized people and groups being targeted in today’s society.

“As we are seeing the hate and violence toward our immigrant siblings, the murders of citizens by ICE, and the complete and utter destruction of dignity in this country by this (U.S.) administration — all in the name of God — there was no choice but to put a devotional out like this,” said the Rev. Lee Catoe, editor of Unbound.

Reminding readers to “love the immigrant, feed the hungry, heal the sick, and meet the actual needs of the least of these … this devotional not only centers scripture and theology, but it gives us all practical next steps to create change in our own ways and in our own communities," Catoe said.

Hawkins added: "It is our advocacy that puts our faith into action. We begin with prayer and move to acts of engagement with those most impacted by discriminatory policy. Easter reminds (us) that our savior was one who cared for those subjected to injustice as he still challenges us to act in the name of 'justice, mercy and faithfulness.'” 

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Here’s more on various free Lenten resources:

Beatitudes At Home Lent Family Devotional: Featuring a simple Mark, Remember, Listen, Reflect, Act, Pray, Bless format, this devotional from the Around the Table initiative of the PC(USA) focuses on the Beatitudes from Matthew 5. Though perfect for Lent, it can be used anytime and is available in Spanish, too. The nine devotional cards stand alone, and there are intro and conclusion cards. Download as a side-by-side layout or print as two-sided cards for families and individuals of all ages.

Congregational study guide for Kairos Palestine II: Three Christian organizations released this guide for the confessional document “A Moment of Truth: Faith in a Time of Genocide,” a Kairos Palestine II statement from Palestinian Christian leaders. Developed by The Palestine Justice Network (PJN) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR) and Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), the study guide can be used during Lent and throughout the year. It invites congregations into a dialogue with the Kairos Palestine II document, which has been described as a living confession born from the heart of Palestinian Christian suffering.  

Earth Care Lenten Devotional 2026 was made possible by volunteers who contributed their time to the project, and the input of Spanish language collaboration with PEC partner Red Presbiteriana para el Cuidado de la Creación. You can download the devotional in full or sign up to receive each devotion on its designated date.  

Get ready to be inspired by “Journey to the Cross” from d365.org from Ash Wednesday through the Sunday following Easter. Available in English and Spanish, it follows a five-step format for youths and adults: Pause, Listen, Think, Pray, Go. The daily devotions are written by ministers, professors, students, teachers, denominational leaders and others who work with and care for students. Some of the writers are from the PC(USA). The Office of Presbyterian Youth and Triennium is a proud ecumenical sponsor of d365.org.

Nepal Lenten devotional: From the United Mission to Nepal is a collection of reflections by writers from the diverse Christian community of Nepali and global staff at UMN. "We hope these reflections, stories and videos help you to reflect on building the kingdom of God," the introduction states. "We hope these devotions also help with your Lenten preparation, self-reflection and offer an opportunity to grow in faith." 

The Tomb is Empty but the Streets are Full: An Activist Lenten Devotional centers the voices of people of faith, ministers and activists who long to bring about transformative change in our world. With the rise of Christian nationalism and the increase of xenophobia and hate toward immigrants, LGBTQIA+ people, and Black and brown folk, this Lenten devotional provides steps you can take while centering the teachings of Jesus. The devotional features digital and printable versions and weekly activist guides. 

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Virtual Young Adult Volunteer Bella Ramos contributed activist guides: “As people of faith, we feel called to take care of our siblings in Christ, but it can be very overwhelming to know where to start,” Ramos said. “We hope that our Lent devotional can inspire people to take that first step and the activist guides can be support along the way. When creating the guides, I wanted to make them simple and digestible so that nobody experiences any barriers when it comes to advocacy and activism.” 

Tread Lightly for Lent (2026): The updated version of this annual Lenten calendar from the Presbyterian Hunger Program is available in English and Spanish and is designed to help people “move toward sustainable choices that restore and protect all of God’s children and Creation,” the ministry notes. “In Lent, we slow down, take time, and examine our internal spiritual lives and the way we live out our Christian faith in the world around us. Our hope is that this Lenten calendar will be the beginning of actions intended to create more mindful behaviors throughout the year.”

Additional reading:
Lent e-books on Westminster John Knox Press' Amazon store
Lent In Plain Sight Digital Resources from WJK Press