Read Lent Reading & Reflection
DAILY: Read the daily reflection for this exercise. The readings are your guide through this spiritual journey. Take time to let the word of God speak to you through these daily readings.
Offer up a holy hour of prayer daily
DAILY: Take an hour for silent, contemplative, personal prayer before our Lord. Plan your day to fit this in. If an hour is absolutely not possible on a given day, offer a minimum of 20 minutes.
Abstain from unnecessary mobile device use
DAILY: Do not use a mobile device for anything that is unnecessary. Whenever possible, connect with people in person instead of using a mobile device.
Abstain from unnecessary computer use
DAILY: Do not use a computer of any kind for anything that is not necessary (such as work, paying bills, education, etc.).
Abstain from watching TV, movies, and televised sports alone.
DAILY: Do not spend time watching a screen for leisure outside of doing so with another person or group of people. (Keep in mind, the spirit here is that this is time spent with others, not just a loophole for watching whatever you want by having another person sit beside you. Just keep your intention in mind.)
Abstain from video games
DAILY: Do not play video games on a game system, computer, mobile device, or by any other means. Instead, offer up this sacrifice and consider what God may be calling you to do with that time.
Abstain from eating between meals
DAILY: Do not eat anything between meals. Practice disciplining your appetite to strengthen your will.
Abstain from desserts and sweets
DAILY: Do not eat desserts or sweets- not as part of a meal nor as a snack. Each time you turn down sweets, offer it up in a spirit of sacrifice and penance.
Abstain from soda and sweet drinks
DAILY: Do not drink anything sweet. This includes soda, fruit juices, sweet sports drinks, and not adding milk or sweeteners to coffee or tea.
Listen only to music that lifts the soul to God
DAILY: Listen only to music that lifts the soul to God. While this does not have to be explicitly Christian music, it should not contain messages that encourage sin or negativity.
Abstain from non-essential purchases
DAILY: Do not make any purchases that are not necessary. (This includes not eating out unless there is a special occasion that cannot be celebrated otherwise.)
Anchor Check-In
DAILY: Check in with your anchor daily. It’s critical for both of you as you climb each peak. This should usually be a brief meeting or phone call, but on a busy day a text conversation is acceptable.
Get a full night's sleep (7hrs+)
DAILY: Plan your day and responsibilities to try to get at least 7 hours of sleep. (If you have an infant, just do your best while still helping your wife.)
Make a Nightly Examen
DAILY: At the end of the day, prayerfully examine your actions (and inactions) throughout the day. Where did you see God working in your life? Acknowledge where you responded to God’s grace and where you chose to do otherwise.
Fast on Wednesday and Friday
On all Wednesdays and Fridays, abstain from meat and only eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to the full meal.
Abstain from meat on Wednesday and Friday
Do not consume meat on these days. Look for other sources of protein such as beans, peanut butter, etc. Please be sure to stay hydrated.
Practice regular, intense exercise
You should exercise at least 3 times per week doing something rigorous enough to get your heart rate up. (If you have guidance from your doctor, please follow that.)
Weekly Fraternity Meeting
Once a week, everyone in your fraternity should meet to check in about their fidelity to the disciplines and pray together. Stay faithful to this commitment you made to your brothers. Don’t just "go along for the ride.” Do your part to make your fraternity a committed band of brothers.