40 Days of Renewal: Meaningful Things to Give Up for Lent This Year
Jan 8, 2026
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Jan 8, 2026
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As the winter chill begins to fade and the first hints of spring emerge, the global Church enters a season of profound introspection. Lent—the 40 days (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter—is a sacred journey toward the Cross, a time where we intentionally trade our daily distractions for deeper Bible study and spiritual focus. Just as the Israelites relied on God’s daily provision in the wilderness, we use this season to seek the true Manna that feeds our souls, clearing the clutter of our hearts to make more room for the presence of Jesus.
However, every year, the same question arises: 'What should I give up for Lent?'
RELATED READING: https://www.themanna.app/resources/how-to-study-the-bible
While giving up chocolate or soda is a classic choice, the true heart of Lenten fasting is sacrifice that leads to transformation. It’s about identifying the things that have become idols or distractions and replacing them with spiritual nourishment.
In this guide, we will explore a wide range of things to give up for Lent, categorized by physical habits, digital distractions, and internal mindsets, helping you find a fast that truly draws you closer to the heart of God.
Before we dive into the list, it is crucial to remember the why. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'
Lent is a practice of 'kenosis,' or self-emptying. We aren't trying to earn God's love through our willpower; we are simply removing the things that numb us to our need for Him. When we feel the 'hunger' for what we’ve given up, it serves as a physical prompt to pray and seek satisfaction in Christ alone.
In our modern era, our most precious commodity is our attention. We are constantly bombarded by notifications, headlines, and the 'highlight reels' of others.
Social media is perhaps the most common modern Lenten fast. Whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, or X (Twitter), these platforms often breed comparison, anxiety, and wasted time.
The Goal: To replace 'scrolling' with 'seeking.'
The Replacement: Instead of reaching for your phone to check your feed first thing in the morning, reach for the Manna app. Manna provides curated daily devotionals and Scripture readings that nourish your soul rather than draining it. By replacing the noise of the world with the Word of God, you turn a habit of consumption into a habit of communion.
Do you find yourself 'vegging out' in front of Netflix for hours every night? While rest is a gift, mindless entertainment can become a way to avoid our own thoughts or God's voice.
The Goal: To regain 1-2 hours of your evening for reflection or family connection.
Give up the radio, podcasts, or music during your daily commute. Use that time for silence and 'breath prayers.' This allows you to process your day with God in the passenger seat.
The traditional fast involves food. The physical sensation of 'wanting' something reminds us that 'Man shall not live by bread alone' (Matthew 4:4).
This is a classic for a reason. Giving up sugar forces us to deal with our cravings and our tendency to use food as a comfort measure.
For many of us, coffee is a crutch. Giving it up—or even just giving up the expensive $7 lattes—can be a powerful way to practice self-control and stewardship.
This fast serves a dual purpose: it improves your health and saves money.
The Spiritual Twist: Take the money you would have spent on dining out during these 40 days and donate it to a local food bank or a missionary.
Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can give up isn't something you eat or watch—it’s a way of thinking. These are often the hardest fasts, but they yield the most fruit.
In Philippians 2:14, we are told to 'Do everything without grumbling or arguing.' Try to go all of Lent without voicing a complaint. When you feel a complaint rising, pause and find one thing to be grateful for instead.
Do you find yourself constantly correcting others or winning arguments at the cost of relationships? Fast from the 'last word.' Practice humility and active listening.
While we can't always control our feelings, we can control where we take them. Every time a worried thought enters your mind, consciously 'hand it over' to God.
Practical Tip: Use the Manna app to search for verses specifically about peace and God’s provision. Having those promises at your fingertips makes it easier to combat anxiety with Truth.
Often, procrastination is rooted in fear or pride. Fasting from 'putting things off' is an exercise in faithfulness and honoring the time God has given you.
Give up buying anything that isn't a 'necessity' (groceries, gas, bills). This fast highlights our consumerist tendencies and reminds us that our security is in God, not our possessions.
Instead of giving something up, give something away. For each of the 40 days of Lent, find one item in your home to donate. By the time Easter arrives, you will have physically 'lightened your load,' mirroring the spiritual lightening that happens through repentance.
Giving something up for 40 days is difficult. Our flesh naturally rebels against discipline. Here is how to stay the course:
Fasting creates a vacuum. If you give up social media but don't fill that time with something spiritual, you’ll likely fill it with another distraction.
If you give up Netflix, add a nightly prayer walk.
If you give up your morning podcast, add a Scripture meditation session via the Manna app. Manna is designed to fit into those small gaps of your day, making it easy to build a consistent habit of dwelling on the Word.
Lent is a communal journey. Share your Lenten goals with a spouse, a friend, or your small group. Knowing that someone will ask you how your 'fast from gossip' is going provides the healthy accountability we all need.
If you slip up and eat a piece of cake or spend an hour on TikTok on day 15, don't give up entirely. Lent isn't about a perfect streak; it's about the direction of your heart. Repent, ask for strength, and start again the next morning.
The goal of giving things up for Lent is not to become 'religious' or to show off our willpower. The goal is to arrive at Easter Sunday with a heart that is raw, open, and ready to receive the joy of the Resurrection.
When we strip away the comforts and distractions we usually rely on, we find that God is enough. We find that His 'Manna' is sufficient for our daily needs. Whether you choose to give up caffeine, social media, or the habit of worrying, do it with your eyes fixed on Jesus.
This year, don't just 'go through the motions' of Lent. Use this season to build new rhythms that will last long after the Easter eggs are gone. Download tools that help you stay grounded, find a community that encourages you, and watch how God transforms your 'giving up' into 'gaining more' of Him.
