“Lord, When Did We See You?” Join the Region 2 Lenten Challenge This Season

Throughout this Lenten season, congregations and individuals across ELCA Region 2—including the Grand Canyon Synod—are invited to participate in the “Lord, When Did We See You?” Lenten Challenge, a simple but meaningful set of daily practices rooted in Matthew 25:37–40.

The challenge offers a Matthew 25 Lenten Practices Toolkit designed for individuals, families, youth, and congregations. The goal is to help participants notice Christ in their neighbors and respond with small, faithful actions throughout Lent.

You can explore and download the toolkit here: lentenchallenge.org/toolkit

A Simple Framework for Lent

The toolkit is built around practices that are easy to incorporate into daily life and congregational rhythms.

Each week focuses on one theme drawn from Matthew 25, inviting participants to see Christ in the hungry, the stranger, the sick, and those in need.

Participants are encouraged to:

  • Choose one small action each day

  • Pray and reflect together

  • Engage across generations

  • Connect practices with worship, preaching, and advocacy

The practices are intentionally simple so that they can be used in homes, youth groups, confirmation classes, or whole congregations.

Practices for the Season

Participants are encouraged to weave these practices into their Lenten rhythm:

  • Subscribe to daily devotions

  • Pray for elected leaders

  • Read and study Matthew 25

  • Journal or share daily reflections, asking: “Where did I see Jesus today?”

  • Post reflections or photos using the hashtag #LentenChallenge

The guiding question each day is simple but powerful:

Where did I see Jesus today?

This practice echoes Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, reminding us that Christ meets us in the lives of our neighbors.

Support ELCA World Hunger

As part of the challenge, participants are invited to turn reflection into action by supporting ELCA World Hunger, which works with local communities around the world to address hunger and poverty.

Donations can be made using the Region 2 Lenten Challenge Appeal Code: R2LENT2026.

Give here: give.elca.org/page/77595/donate/1

A Prayer for the Journey

As we continue through Lent, this challenge invites us to slow down, pay attention, and live our faith in concrete ways.

Daily Prayer:

God of mercy, open our eyes to see Christ in our neighbors. Amen.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian Flatgard2026 Lenten Challenge, 2026 Lent and Easter, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment