‘Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you’ (James 4:8)

What if just a few small choices could actually change how you feel, how you treat others, and how you live each day?

Ask someone to read out the words below: 

As Lent 2026 begins, we’re exploring this year’s Church of England theme, Draw Near: Life-Giving Habits, and thinking about how it can inspire our daily lives.

Lent isn’t just about giving things up (like chocolate etc.). It is about stopping, taking a breath, and choosing habits that help us grow closer to God.

Draw Near is all about showing us how the little habits we choose each day can help us get closer to God. And here’s the cool part… as we take steps toward Him, God moves closer to us too. It’s like a friendship that grows stronger every time we make the effort. We become more like Jesus, day by day. 

This is a chance to slow down, try something new, and see how small changes can make a surprisingly big difference.
And even if you follow a different faith or none at all, these ideas can still help us grow in kindness, courage, and how we treat ourselves and others.

This week’s theme is Giving and Sharing.

When we hear the word giving, we often think of money or possessions. But the Bible reminds us that giving is much broader than that. We give through our words, our actions, and our attitudes.

Sometimes the most powerful gifts cost nothing:

• A kind word when someone is having a hard day
• Sharing time by listening properly
• Helping without being asked
• Choosing patience instead of irritation

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says:

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

Our “treasure” isn’t just what we own – it’s what we value. Lent encourages us to notice what we give our attention to, and how we treat the people around us.

Today, as we draw near, we can ask ourselves:

• What do I have that I could share today — time, kindness, encouragement?
• How might my small actions make a big difference to someone else?

Pause for a moment of quiet reflection.

Prayer

God of generosity,
thank you for all that we have received.
Help us to be open-handed with our words,
our actions, and our attitudes.
Teach us to notice others,
to share what we can,
and to grow in kindness this Lent.
Amen.

* Image from Freepik