2026 Lenten Meditations

Lenten Meditations: Holy Habits

As a boy, I attended a Roman Catholic Franciscan boarding school. I sometimes felt on the margins as an Episcopalian: I couldn’t receive Holy Communion or go to Confession, but I was very much a part of the school’s life. I attended daily religion classes, sang in the church choir and prayed frequently. We prayed before meals, at the start of every class, at the end of evening study hall and just before lights out.

When I transitioned to public school, something felt off. The new school had many of the same outward structures—classrooms, sports, schedules—but something essential was missing. Eventually, I came to understand that I longed for the rhythm of prayer, which gave structure and meaning to everything else. It framed our days, our actions, even our relationships. That daily rhythm of prayer and work, school and recreation, was a blessing I carry with me to this day. As an adult, I have tried to return to those early practices of daily prayer. Like many, I don’t always succeed. My prayer life sometimes takes a back seat to work and other demands. But I know the difference it makes.

For Sister Monica Clare, the author of these Lenten Meditations, the journey was reversed. She began her adult life in a fast-paced career, surrounded by talented, ambitious and engaging people. By all accounts, she was thriving. But something vital was missing—something she later found in the Community of St. John Baptist, an Episcopal religious order of women. In that sacred community, she discovered the power and peace of the Divine Hours—those regular, intentional pauses throughout the day for prayer, reflection and Scripture. Through these quiet acts, Sister Monica found what so many of us long for: a life rooted in God, given shape, meaning and direction through the holy habit of prayer.

These meditations are an invitation for you to rediscover—or deepen—that same spiritual rhythm. Each day of Lent (excluding Sundays), you’ll find a Gospel reading paired with a thoughtful reflection from Sister Monica Clare and a question for you to consider in response. You’re encouraged to make space around each reading: through prayer, music, silence, or even shared conversation with others. You can journey through these meditations alone, or with fellow travelers in your community or congregation.

Wherever you are in your spiritual life, know that you are not alone. As you read and reflect, you are joining a global community of readers, all seeking to bring their lives into closer alignment with God through this sacred season. May these meditations help you find the stillness, structure and spiritual depth that Lent so beautifully offers. And may you have a holy Lent.

Sean McConnell
Senior Director, Faith & Community Engagement