Lent Made Simple: Choosing a Sacrifice to Draw Closer to God

Denise Jelinek helps you choose what to surrender for Lent as you seek to grow closer to God. 

Lent is a sacred time: a season set apart by the Church to draw us closer to the Lord. While we may strive to live in union with Him year-round, Lent provides a dedicated opportunity to deepen that relationship through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. 

If you’re wondering, “What should I give up for Lent?” you’re not alone. Many of us search for the “perfect” sacrifice, sometimes overthinking the decision as if there’s only one right answer. But the truth is, God will reveal it if we slow down, ask, and listen. 

Two Paths to Grow Closer to God 

There are two ways to draw nearer to the Lord during Lent: 

1. Removing distractions — things that pull us away from Him. 
2. Adding practices — things that bring us more in tune with His presence. 

What’s Distracting You? 

Lent is an invitation to examine what is consuming your thoughts and energy. The easiest way to identify these distractions is to notice where your mind goes throughout the day. Is it preoccupied with your to-do list, your weight, food, social media, or the expectations of others? 

Consider the things you might be overdoing—overeating, over-worrying, over-scrolling, over-rushing. Anything that leads you away from God, even subtly, may be an area to surrender this Lent. 

For example, one year I gave up excessive busyness. I wasn’t sure how to do that at first, but I started by noticing when I felt rushed or pressured. Each time I caught myself in a frantic state, I paused and redirected my focus to God. 

What Are Your Attachments? 

Another way to discern what to sacrifice for Lent is to identify attachments. These are things we believe we need—whether a habit, an object, or an idea. You’ll know you’re attached to something when you can’t imagine letting it go. 

Attachments can be material (like coffee or chocolate) or emotional (like needing a certain outcome, approval, or control). If the thought of giving something up makes you uneasy, it might be a sign that it’s holding more power in your life than it should. 

For instance, I once realized I had an attachment to having a snack before bed. It wasn’t right or wrong, but it was something I felt I had to do. Over time, I worked toward a holy indifference—where I could take it or leave it, without it controlling me. 

Ask yourself: What do I love more than I should? What am I holding onto that I need to surrender? 

Are You Creating Unnecessary Burdens? 

Another way we distance ourselves from God is by carrying crosses He never asked us to bear. Sometimes we add extra weight to our struggles by fixating on worst-case scenarios or trying to control what isn’t ours to control. 

For example, I once coached a woman whose family member was struggling with addiction. The addiction itself was her cross—but she was adding extra weight by spinning out in worry, imagining her loved one’s death and questioning his salvation. When she focused on the truth—addiction is hard on the whole family—she found peace in trusting God with the outcome. 

If your thoughts are dominated by fears, worries, or anxieties, consider surrendering them this Lent. Instead of carrying unnecessary burdens, let this season be a time to trust more deeply in God's plan. 

Adding Practices to Draw Closer to God 

Lent isn’t only about giving things up — it’s also about making room for God. Consider adding something that strengthens your relationship with Him. 

Some ideas include: 

• Attending daily Mass once or twice a week
• Setting aside 10 minutes for silent prayer 
• Reading Scripture or a spiritual book 
• Practicing gratitude daily 

The goal is transformation, not just a temporary change. Whatever you choose should lead you to a deeper encounter with God, reordering your heart to put Him first. 

A Final Encouragement 

If you’re unsure what to give up or take on for Lent, start by asking: 

• Lord, where is my heart not fully on You? 
• What am I attached to that I need to release? 
• What burden am I carrying that You never asked me to bear? 

Trust that He will guide you. Lent is a journey, and each step — no matter how small — brings you closer to experiencing heaven on earth. 

What will you surrender this Lent? 

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Copyright 2025 Denise Jelinek
Images: Canva