As Lent begins, Ash Wednesday marks the first day on a 40-day journey of spirituality leading us to Easter. To some Christians, however, today isn't so much about getting ashes smudged on our foreheads—it's a moment of tremendous authority in which to take a halt, reboot, and renew our hearts to God. But suppose embracing God through Lent could be uplifting, even festive?
At Manna, we don't believe that faith needs to hold you back. Through our gamified Bible study app, you can spend time in the Scriptures daily, earn badges, keep streaks, and even take quizzes that make reading the Bible enjoyable and easy.
Let's dive in a little deeper about Ash Wednesday—what it is, why it matters, and how you can level up your faith this Lent on Manna.
What Is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to lead us up to Easter. It is the day that individuals all across the world attend mass where they have ashes imposed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. It is an ancient practice reminding us of our own mortality and reliance on God's mercy.
The ashes are typically made up of palms that were burned from last Palm Sunday, and the priest or minister will say, "Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return," or "Repent, and believe in the Gospel."
Why Do Christians Celebrate Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday isn't about ritual alone—it's about real change. It's an invitation to spiritual renewal. It's about:
Lent is modeled after Jesus' 40 days in the desert, where He fasted, prayed, and stood firm against temptation. Just like Jesus, we're invited to a season of intentional living—and Ash Wednesday is our launch point.
What Are the Traditions of Ash Wednesday?
Here are some traditions that are practiced:
Whether you've been following these traditions for years or just starting out, what matters most is the heart behind it. And the good news is: you don't have to do it alone.
Make Lent More Meaningful (and Fun!) with Manna
Let's be real—starting strong on Ash Wednesday is great, but maintaining consistently throughout Lent can be tough. That's where Manna comes in. We've created a gamified Bible study experience to help you grow in your faith without losing steam.
With Manna, you can:
✅ Start Bible reading streaks
✅ Have fun, daily quizzes
✅ Get badges as you complete challenges
✅ Track your Lent journey like a faith adventure
Each day is an odyssey. Each verse is a clue. Each quiz is a spark that makes the Word of God in you burn longer.
Ash Wednesday Challenge: 40 Days of Faith
Are you up to making Lent unforgettable?
Join our 40-Day Lent Challenge in the Manna app. Start your streak on Ash Wednesday and see how many days in a row you can read your Bible and take your quiz. Think, pray, and learn in a way that keeps your heart engaged and your spirit alive.
Last Thoughts
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of something sacred. It's a reminder that we're dust, for sure—but that we're also loved and invited to new life. Whether you're new to Lent or an old spiritual warrior, Manna is here to walk with you, one delightful Bible challenge at a time.
Get Manna today and let God's Word shine a light into your Lent—a badge, a quiz, a prayer at a time.
