15 Last Minute Ideas for Lenten Sacrifices (from Twitter)

All of us adult Catholics probably now have a habit of giving up something for Lent or doing something extra to grow spiritually. We should offer a little sacrifice to unite ourselves with Jesus and to prepare for Holy Week. Some people have the same thing they give up every year but those of us who vary year to year can sometimes get to the last minute before we have our resolutions nailed down.

I jokingly posted about offering up eating kale every day (as I dislike it).

I was thinking of eating kale every day as an extreme lenten penance…

Then I realized how expensive kale is (& I have a vow of poverty).

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On a more serious note I asked for ideas for things to give up or add on for Lent and my friends and followers gave some great suggestions (over 250 suggestions).

Lent ideas thread.

If you have decided what you will do for Lent this year, post it below. If you haven't yet, read everyone else's replies for ideas.

Me: no phone / computer / social media between at least 9:30pm & 7:30am; still thinking maybe something else too.

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Giving up for Lent

A few want to give up addictive substances.

Quit smoking. My husband and I. It’s been 40 years. Pray for us.

— Jeannie Louise �� (@Jeannielouise64) March 3, 2019

Thinking that i am going to give up alcohol

— Jen McHughBarker (@JMcHughBarker) March 2, 2019

This man is giving up meat completely.

No meat, including fish. Weekly fast days. Weekly holy hour. Turn off computer and phone an hour earlier at night for prayer and meditation.

— Michael S. Miller (@MSMillerNYC) March 2, 2019

Several had variations on giving up social media.

No social media.I need to abstain from negativity.I find that there is more negativey than good in social media.This is why I enjoy Catholic twitter but even that can still be negative if you don’t fit in. It’s time to replenish myself with pure soul food.Prayer,sacrifice,penance

— Alondra Jiménez (@alondra_here) March 3, 2019

I give up my social media apps on my phone. Yeah I can still get to them on a browser, but you’d be shocked how much less time I spend on SM.

— john (@miteycasey) March 3, 2019

limiting TV during Lent.

I won’t watch TV besides religious media such as the Bible on Netflix or watching Mass. I will spend the more time reading uplifting and informational (such as prolife) books. I will abstain from alcohol and chocolate candy as these things have become problematic for me.

— Cindy Allen (@cindylouallen) March 3, 2019

Simplifying food.

Eat from the freezer and pantry more, and donate more to the food bank.

— Nicole � ☕️ (@nstallworth) March 2, 2019

Giving up one thing you own permanently every day of Lent.

I’m giving up social media and starting a “give away” box that I’ll put one thing I own in it a day. Then I’m also doing @pursuedbytruth devotional and trying to go to adoration more!

— random Catholic Chick (@Catholic_Chick1) March 3, 2019

Adding on for Lent

Resolving to get to daily Mass.

Daily Mass (struggle for me), Stations on Fridays, Lenten jounal

— Barbara Lizana, OFS (@barjacbar) March 3, 2019

Adding the Liturgy of the Hours.

Start Liturgy of the Hours (morning & night anyway) & fast Wed/Fri

— Tom Carroll (@TomCarrollMDPhD) March 3, 2019

Early rising to get prayer time in.

Wake up earlier each day to spend more time in prayer

— Tony Daquano (@adaquano) March 2, 2019

Several people mentioned this new book by Sr. Theresa Aletheia, FSP.

This book, and thinking of fasting from social media from 9pm to 5pm. pic.twitter.com/hefJiBDqhQ

— Cassandra of Taxable Troy (@Angel_of_Reason) March 3, 2019

Another interesting book to read for Lent.

Adding an hour of prayer a day, fasting, and following a pocket book of Lent with Padre Pio:) I was in Israel last year during Lent, so I hope to eat, and pray the same way I did when I was out there:) pic.twitter.com/GowrrqC8Tw

— Sarah (@sarahdiane_jss) March 3, 2019

A third option if you are looking for a book for Lent.

To read: pic.twitter.com/utB3W7A64M

— Catholic Bellator (@t_o_m_m_m_y) March 3, 2019

Making a new space to pray in the house.

I’m making a prayer space in my room. I don’t know what else though.

— Krista Pylkki (@kristapylkki) March 3, 2019

Make Your Lenten Resolution Today

I hope these ideas help you come up with a last minute resolution. If not, 200 people posted what they are giving up in this thread so there may be other ideas for you there. Each of us should do something in Lent that makes us more like Jesus calls us to be. It’s good to decide right at the beginning of Lent so we don’t end up a week in still deciding on our resolution.

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