Listen to the Reflection

Our spiritual guide, Fr. Columba Jordan, CFR, will lead us through the Book of Daniel, reflecting on how we can stand firm in faith in the midst of our battles.

30 Minutes of Silent Prayer

Time spent in silence with the Lord draws us into his transforming presence and strengthens us. The world today is full of frenetic activity and distraction. Take 30 minutes each day to be silent before the Lord and open up your heart to his inspiration. This is where the greatest transformations take place.

Get a Full Night’s Sleep

Grace builds upon nature, which means that getting a full night’s rest will be essential for our journey. When we lack sleep, we find that our mind is darkened, our body is drained, and our will is weakened. When we are fully rested, we are better able to fight the day’s battles. For most people, 8 hours of sleep (plus or minus one hour) constitutes a full night's sleep.

No Snoozing the Alarm Clock

St. Josemaria Escriva called the act of waking without snoozing a “heroic minute.” It is the time fixed for getting up. Here you have a mortification that strengthens your will and does no harm to your body. If, with God’s help, you conquer yourself, you will be well ahead for the rest of the day.

No Social Media / News

Do not allow the news of the day to distract you from making progress toward freedom in Jesus Christ. Stand firm and remain focused on what matters most: the fullness of life in heaven. Thus, we will gain the complete vision of reality set before us in faith.

Fast on Wednesday & Friday

During St. Michael’s Lent, we offer up Wednesday and Friday as special days of penance in memory of Christ’s betrayal by Judas and death on the Cross. Fast on these days by eating only one meal and two small meals (which added together are smaller than one meal).

Abstain from Meat on Wednesday & Friday

In addition to fasting on Wednesday and Friday, we abstain from meat. This is an ancient discipline practiced through the centuries by priests, prophets, saints, and pious Christians. Fish, eggs, and dairy products are permitted.

Take a Cold Shower on Wednesday & Friday

Take cold showers on Wednesday and Friday, keeping your normal shower schedule. The difficulty of this practice reinforces the overall discipline we are building as we offer ourselves as a sacrifice to God. Make this act an offering of love to God and offer it for the intention that brought you to St. Michael’s Lent or for the intention of others.

Weekly Fraternity Meeting

St. Michael’s Lent is not meant to be done alone. Meet as a fraternity every week to pray together and share the ups and downs of this journey to freedom. Stay faithful to the commitment you made to your brothers, doing your part in supporting one another.

Check In With Your Anchor Daily

Each week you will be paired up with another member of the fraternity for daily check-ins. Share the highs and lows of your day and any prayer intentions. Shoot for checking in with a phone call, but when that’s not possible, a text message works too.

Celebrate the Lord’s Day

Every Sunday is a little Easter and should be observed with joyful celebration and rest. Let this St. Michael’s Lent be a time of Sunday renewal, taking greater care to celebrate the Lord’s Day. Go to Mass, and let the rest of your day be shaped by prayer, family, friends, and holy leisure.

Hold Vigil for 1 Hour at 2 a.m. Friday Morning

Break your sleep at 2 a.m. on Friday morning for an hour, keeping watch with the Lord. The ancient practice of holding night vigils will be a powerful weapon in our spiritual warfare during this summertime Lent. During the night vigil you can read or listen to prayers in the Exodus app or choose other prayers such as the rosary. Conclude your hour by reciting the St. Michael Prayer.