Today we will talk about bible verses for lent. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Lent is a season we set aside to come closer to God through prayer, fasting, and reflection. In these days we remember Jesus’ journey to the cross and prepare our hearts for Easter. We slow down, examine our hearts, and turn back to God. As we read these bible verses for lent, may we be guided gently and encouraged to grow. Let us walk this journey together, seeking honesty, repentance, and hope. We will use Scripture to help us focus, repent where needed, serve with love, and embrace new life that comes through Christ. These passages are meant to help us pray, to help us fast rightly, and to help us love and forgive as Jesus taught. Let us be open and humble, learning from Jesus’ example and the wisdom of God’s word. As we move through these subtopics, we will find verses that speak to fasting, repentance, humility, temptation, almsgiving, and the promise of renewal. Use these verses for meditation and quiet prayer in this season of lent, and let them shape our steps toward Easter.
Matthew 6:16
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” – Matthew 6:16
bible verses for lent
Fasting and Prayer — bible verses for lent
As we enter this season of lent, we gather as a community who want our fasting and prayer to draw us nearer to God. In the season of bible verses for lent, we often practice fasting not to show off, but to quiet our hearts so we can hear God more clearly. When we fast, we lose something we enjoy so we can gain a deeper sense of God’s presence. We do this together with honest hearts, not with faces made sad to win praise from others. Our fasting is paired with prayer; it is not a ritual alone. We set aside food, time, or other comforts to remind us of our dependence on God and to pray for guidance, repentance, and the needs of others. As we read bible verses for lent about fasting and prayer, we learn what true fasting looks like: it leads to justice, mercy, and humility rather than pride. The Scriptures show us that fasting should produce compassion and action, not emptiness or show. We encourage one another in this season: let us pray with sincerity, let us fast with purpose, and let us seek God’s face with hope. Together we can use these verses for lent to shape our habits, to renew our focus on God, and to let our fasting bless others through prayer and service.
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
Matthew 6:16
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” – Matthew 6:16
Joel 2:12
“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.” – Joel 2:12
Psalm 35:13
“Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.” – Psalm 35:13
Acts 13:2
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” – Acts 13:2
Repentance and Confession — bible verses for lent
During bible verses for lent, we make room for honest heart change. We know that repentance means turning away from what harms us and turning back to God. As a community, we confess that we have done wrong and have missed God’s best for us. We do not confess to feel shame alone, but to invite God’s healing. Lent gives us permission to slow down and to name the things that separate us from God. In our prayers and readings, we find words that help us come clean before God, trusting that He is kind and ready to forgive. These verses for lent teach us that God’s mercy is greater than our mistakes and that confession opens the door for restoration. When we confess together, we also learn to accept God’s grace for one another and to offer forgiveness. The Bible shows us that real repentance is not only sorrow but a change that produces new ways of living. So in this season, we read, reflect, and allow these verses for lent to guide our steps away from sin and toward gentleness, obedience, and renewed faith.
Joel 2:13
“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” – Joel 2:13
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Acts 3:19
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
Luke 5:32
“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” – Luke 5:32
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
Humility and Self-Denial — bible verses for lent
As we practice bible verses for lent, we remember that humility and self-denial are not punishment but pathways to life. We learn from Jesus who humbled himself and taught us to put God and others before our own pride. In this Lenten season, self-denial helps us see where our hearts cling to comfort, control, or praise. When we give up something we enjoy, we practice dependence on God and grow in compassion for others. Our humble hearts listen better and love more freely. The Bible guides us to consider others, to lower our pride, and to take up our cross in following Jesus. This is not about proving our worth by suffering; instead, it is about joining Christ in a life of service and trust. We do these practices together, encouraging one another to choose simplicity, to serve quietly, and to live with grateful hearts. Through bible verses for lent on humility and self-denial, we learn to take the small steps that lead to lasting change in how we live and love.
Matthew 16:24
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
Luke 9:23
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” – Luke 9:23
Philippians 2:3
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” – Philippians 2:3
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” – James 4:10
Galatians 2:20
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Temptation and Spiritual Warfare — bible verses for lent
When we observe bible verses for lent, we know temptation will come, and we want to be ready. We do not face these struggles alone. Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness, showing us how to rely on Scripture and God’s strength. In our Lenten practice we are honest about the things that pull us away from God. We pray for wisdom, resist temptation, and support one another. The Bible gives us tools—truth, prayer, and the armor of God—to stand firm. In reading verses for lent on temptation and spiritual warfare, we gain courage to turn from quick fixes and false promises. We learn that God provides a way out when trials come, and that endurance builds character. Let us help one another, pray for each other, and use God’s Word as our guide when we feel weak. Together we can face temptation with faith and find growth through the struggle.
Matthew 4:1
“Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” – Matthew 4:1
1 Corinthians 10:13
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
James 1:12
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” – James 1:12
Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” – Ephesians 6:11
Hebrews 4:15
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” – Hebrews 4:15
Preparation for Easter — bible verses for lent
In this season of bible verses for lent, we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. Lent helps us remember the path Jesus walked toward the cross and the hope of resurrection. Our preparation is both inward and outward: we reflect, we repent, and we live with intention so that Easter feels like a true celebration of what God has done. These verses for lent help us focus on the story of Jesus’ death and rising. They remind us that through Jesus we are united to a new life and that the cross leads to resurrection hope. As we read and pray, we prepare not just to sing on Easter morning, but to live differently because Christ is risen. Together we practice remembrance, worship, and renewal, so that the good news of Easter shapes our daily life and our whole church community.
Mark 8:31
“And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” – Mark 8:31
Romans 6:4
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” – Romans 6:4
1 Peter 1:3
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” – 1 Peter 1:3
Colossians 3:1
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” – Colossians 3:1
John 11:25
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” – John 11:25
Almsgiving and Charity — bible verses for lent
As we live out bible verses for lent, we are reminded that our fasting and prayer are closely linked to how we treat others. Almsgiving—giving to those in need—is a visible way of practicing our faith. When we give, we show compassion and join in God’s care for the poor. In this season, bible verses for lent call us to give quietly and generously, not for praise but to help and to honor God. We learn that charity is an expression of repentance and love; it shows that our hearts are changing. Through acts of mercy, we join Jesus in serving those who are hurting and show that faith brings action. Let us be thoughtful in our giving, generous with joy, and consistent in helping others as a practice of faith in this Lenten journey.
Matthew 6:3
“But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:” – Matthew 6:3
Proverbs 19:17
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” – Proverbs 19:17
Luke 3:11
“He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.” – Luke 3:11
Acts 20:35
“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Reflection and Meditation on Scripture — bible verses for lent
In bible verses for lent, we practice quiet reflection and meditation on God’s Word so our minds and hearts can be changed. Lent invites us to slow down and let scripture speak to the places where we need healing, courage, and guidance. When we meditate, we read slowly, ask questions, and let God’s truth sink in. This helps us resist empty religious routine and grow in genuine faith. We use verses for lent to guide our thoughts and to center our prayers. The Bible becomes our lamp, showing us how to live day by day and to follow Jesus. Together we keep short, steady times of reading and reflection so that the Scriptures shape our choices, our relationships, and our hope. Through these verses for lent, we learn how to listen well and to let God renew us from the inside out.
Psalm 1:2
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” – Psalm 1:2
Joshua 1:8
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” – Joshua 1:8
Psalm 119:15
“I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.” – Psalm 119:15
2 Timothy 3:16
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” – 2 Timothy 3:16
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
Forgiveness and Reconciliation — bible verses for lent
As we practice bible verses for lent, we know forgiveness is central to our walk with God and one another. Lent calls us to make peace where there is hurt and to forgive as we have been forgiven. When we read these verses for lent, we remember that God forgave us first, and that this mercy frees us to forgive others. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is a step toward healing and restored relationship. Reconciliation may mean honest talks, humility, and a willingness to listen. In this season we pray for courage to make amends and to accept forgiveness. Together we can be agents of peace, bringing God’s grace into broken places and living out the love shown to us in Christ.
Matthew 6:14
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:” – Matthew 6:14
Luke 15:7
“I say unto you, That likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” – Luke 15:7
Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” – Colossians 3:13
Matthew 18:22
“Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” – Matthew 18:22
Suffering and Sacrifice — bible verses for lent
In bible verses for lent, we do not shy away from the reality of suffering. Lent helps us sit with the truth that following Jesus sometimes involves pain, loss, or discipline. But these tough places are not pointless. The Bible tells us that suffering can shape us, teach us dependence on God, and join us to Christ’s own suffering. When we offer small sacrifices in this season, we remember what Jesus gave for us. We do not celebrate suffering for its own sake, but we accept that sacrifice can lead to growth, compassion, and deeper faith. These verses for lent invite us to look at suffering through the lens of hope, showing how trials refine our character and prepare us to share Christ’s comfort with others who suffer.
Romans 8:17
“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” – Romans 8:17
1 Peter 2:21
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” – 1 Peter 2:21
Romans 5:3
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;” – Romans 5:3
Hebrews 12:2
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2
Philippians 3:10
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” – Philippians 3:10
Renewal and New Life — bible verses for lent
During bible verses for lent, we look forward to the promise of new life. Lent is a season that points us to renewal through Jesus. While we reflect on our weaknesses and confess our wrongs, we also remember that God brings fresh starts. The Scriptures promise that when we turn to God, we become new creations and are given a new heart. As a community, we lift each other up and pray for renewal in our homes, churches, and neighborhoods. These verses for lent remind us that change is possible and that God’s power makes us alive in Christ. As we move toward Easter, let us expect transformation, welcome the Spirit’s work, and live in the hope of new beginnings.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Ezekiel 36:26
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26
Titus 3:5
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” – Titus 3:5
Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:2
Galatians 6:15
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but a new creature.” – Galatians 6:15
Final Thoughts
I am grateful we walked through these bible verses for lent together. In this season we practiced slowing down, confessing, giving, and listening for God. We remembered that fasting and prayer are means to draw near, not to earn favor. We also saw that repentance, humility, and charity are signs of a heart being changed by God.
We found encouragement in Scripture that God welcomes our small efforts and uses them to shape us. As we move toward Easter, let us keep these truths close: God forgives, renews, and gives new life through Jesus. We can face temptation, loss, and hard choices with hope because Christ has gone before us.
May we continue to support one another in prayer, practice forgiveness, and live out the lessons of this Lenten season. Let these bible verses for lent stay with us and guide our steps in the days ahead. Amen.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4