Lent 2026
A brand new free collective worship resource for Lent 2026 aimed at Primary, KS3 and KS4 learners. There are 6 sessions designed to follow the spiritual and ethical journey of Lent, building habits over time rather than isolated acts.
Lent-by-Week Progression
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Open hands: thankfulness, kind speech, helping; practising giving through words, actions, attitude.
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Noticing others: time, listening, awareness; empathy and care
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Going deeper: sacrifice, fairness and community needs; collective responsibility.
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Identity and dignity: thankfulness, inclusion, care; strengthens school ethos and welcome.
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Who we are becoming: habit-forming choices; links generosity to character and future purpose.
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Courage, forgiveness, hope: values under pressure; renewed purpose.
Draw Near:
Life-giving habits for Lent
The Church of England’s theme for Lent 2026 is Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent. This year’s resources have at their heart the theme of a ‘rhythm of life’ – habits and patterns which help us grow as disciples of Christ day by day, especially as we prepare to celebrate the great mystery of God’s saving love at Easter.
‘Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.’
James 4.8
About 40acts
These acts of collective worship for schools encourage pupils to build a habit of generosity with the help of 40acts (brought to you by Stewardship). Many people choose to “give something up” for Lent. With 40acts, we invite you to turn that on its head: give things away, give time, give encouragement, and discover the joy of walking in generosity. Doing 40acts this Lent is a way for all of us to start learning how to live generously. Together, we can practise a generous way of living that helps build love, hope and joy into the world.
Each week includes:
40acts links
Thought for teachers
Thought for pupils
Prayer (invitational)
Bible verse / story
Music / song
SMSC links
SIAMS links
Additional ideas for connecting home, church and school
Alongside this collective worship resource, the Church of England have produced a daily devotional booklet for adults (CHP) and a parallel 40-day challenge for families and children (CHP) exploring the life-giving habit of generosity in partnership with 40 acts.
Find out more here: Draw Near