What is Lent? A definitive guide for Lent 2026

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Many Christians observe the season of Lent each year, but its meaning and purpose often get lost. Lent is ultimately an invitation to slow down, reflect, and prepare your heart for Easter. This season centers on repentance, renewal, and drawing closer to God through intentional spiritual practices.

Just as Advent prepares one’s heart for Christmas Day, so Lent prepares our hearts for Easter Sunday. And for many churches, Lent is an important part of the Church calendar.

But what is Lent, when is it, and what does it mean? 

Whether you’re new to church traditions or looking for a refresher, let’s take a look at Lent and discover what it means, why it matters, and how Christians observe it today. 

What is Lent? 

What does “Lent” mean? The Lent meaning comes from the Old English word lencten, meaning “to spring forth.” 

It’s a period in the Christian calendar dedicated to spiritual preparation leading up to Easter. Often associated with fasting, prayer, and self-denial, Lent helps people reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.

Lent is observed for approximately forty days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter Sunday, which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. 

While traditions and nuances may vary across denominations, the meaning of Lent remains rooted in Jesus’s time spent fasting and praying in the wilderness. 

When does Lent 2026 start? 

If you’re planning ahead, it’s helpful to know the key dates and length of the Lenten season. These dates change annually because they are tied to Easter. 

When is Lent? 

Lent 2026 starts on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026. It ends on Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026. 

How long is Lent? 

Lent lasts around 40 days, not including Sundays, which are traditionally considered feast days rather than fast days. 

Additionally, some participants choose to end their Lent observance on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, or Holy Saturday, depending on preference. 

Understanding when Lent is and how long it lasts helps churches and individuals prepare meaningful rhythms and teachings throughout the season—including a Lenten sermon series.

How to celebrate Lent 

While there’s no single “right” way to observe Lent, here are a few common practices that many people incorporate into the Lenten season: 

• Mardi Gras (also known as Fat Tuesday): While not officially a part of Lent, many observe this day before Ash Wednesday as a last day of indulgence before fasting begins.
• Ash Wednesday: This holy day marks the start of Lent. Many churches hold Ash Wednesday services—marking participants with the sign of the cross in ash on their foreheads, symbolizing mortality. 
• Holy Week: This takes place the week before Easter Sunday and is commemorated by Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Many churches offer special services or events for some or all of these days. 
• Prayer: Many observers of Lent set aside intentional time for daily prayer. 
• Fasting: As a popular and well-known aspect of Lent, many observers today choose to “give up” certain foods, habits, or distractions. 
• Almsgiving: Another part of Lent is the practice of generosity through money, goods, or other acts of service. 
• Scripture reading: Many churches offer a special devotional or churchwide Bible reading plan for the season of Lent. 

Churches often celebrate Lent through a special Easter sermon series, churchwide devotionals, and digital resources that guide people through the season together.

How to utilize the Subsplash Platform this Lenten season

Lent is a powerful opportunity for churches to engage their community, both in person and online. Easter Sunday is consistently one of the highest attended worship services of the year—which makes it an incredible opportunity to engage new people with the message of the Gospel! 

The Subsplash Platform is built to help churches stay connected, organized, and engage new visitors throughout this important season, including:

• Custom church apps for sharing daily prayer prompts, sermon replays, Easter events & more 
• Group messaging tools for your small groups to offer encouragement & accountability during Lent
• Online giving options to make it easy for those partnering with your mission & practicing generosity
• Sermon clips & discipleship resources to take your ministry impact further

Lent is an invitation to engage at church  

Lent invites believers to slow down, reflect, and prepare their heart for Easter. This season centers on intentional spiritual practices as Easter approaches. 

Whether through prayer, fasting, generosity, or reflection, this season offers space for spiritual renewal. With the right tools and intentional planning, churches can guide their communities through Lent in ways that are meaningful, accessible, and deeply impactful.

If you’d like to learn how your church can benefit from Subsplash this Easter season [.blog-contact-cta]let’s chat[.blog-contact-cta]!

More resources you may find helpful: 

• How to increase engagement this Lent
• Enable Guest Giving for visitors this Easter
• 10 Inspirational Easter sermon ideas for pastors
• Jesus is risen! 13 engaging Easter Sunday school activities
• 21 delightful Easter program ideas for churches
• Post-Easter push notifications: Ideas, tips & templates