Reflect with us through the 40 Days 2026 with this set of Scripture readings. We will read the Letter of James and Paul’s Letter to the Romans. The readings for Ash Wednesday and Sundays follow the Lectionary readings for those days.
Our podcast will feature an opening meditation on Ash Wednesday followed by weekly reflections on these readings by seven brothers. Episodes will be released each Saturday during the 40 Days and can be found in our Podcast List. Add the podcast to iTunes or other Podcast apps by searching for “Words From the Brothers” or clicking the links below:
Opening Half-Week
The opening days invite us into repentance, humility, and renewed obedience to God’s word.
Wednesday, 02/18 (Ash Wednesday) — Joel 2:12–18
A time of seeking the Lord is a time of turning to Him, of repentance, and of humbling ourselves before God.
Thursday, 02/19 — James 1
In a series of short exhortations, James presents the realities of life in Christ, grounded in God’s word which we are meant to put into action.
Friday, 02/20 — James 2
James develops two themes: how love of the brethren is meant to mark our lives, and how faith and works are meant to go together.
Saturday, 02/21 — James 3
Two further topics are raised: the need to control our speech, and the invitation to receive and live by the wisdom that comes from God.
Week One
The first full week turns our attention to testing, faith, and the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel.
Sunday, 02/22 — Matthew 4:1–11
Jesus sought God His Father for forty days in the wilderness in preparation for His ministry, and His faith and obedience were strengthened through testing.
Monday, 02/23 — James 4
James calls us to friendship with God and the reception of His grace, while exhorting us not to speak evil against one another but to humble ourselves before God.
Tuesday, 02/24 — James 5
James outlines the practice of Christian life as we wait patiently for the return of the Lord and the coming of His kingdom.
Wednesday, 02/25 — Romans 1:1–16
Paul introduces “the gospel of God” that he serves and identifies the righteousness of God through faith as the foundational theme of his letter.
Thursday, 02/26 — Romans 1:17–32
Paul indicts the human race apart from God: failing to acknowledge Him, humanity descends by stages into darkness.
Friday, 02/27 — Romans 2:1–11
Those who condemn others are themselves accountable before God, who judges impartially, both Jew and Greek.
Saturday, 02/28 — Romans 2:12–29
All will be judged—whether by the revealed law or the law written on the heart. True circumcision is a matter of the heart.
Week Two
This week deepens our understanding of justification by faith and the promises fulfilled through Abraham.
Sunday, 03/01 — Matthew 17:1–9
The Transfiguration gives the disciples a vision of Christ’s glory, strengthening them for what was to come.
Monday, 03/02 — Romans 3:1–20
Though Israel was entrusted with God’s promises, all—Jew and Gentile alike—stand under sin and need God’s righteousness through faith.
Tuesday, 03/03 — Romans 3:21–31
God’s righteousness has been revealed in Jesus Christ: all are justified by faith and may boast only in His grace.
Wednesday, 03/04 — Romans 4:1–12
Abraham stands as the model of one justified before God through faith in His word.
Thursday, 03/05 — Romans 4:13–25
“In hope he believed against hope”: Abraham trusted God’s promises and was reckoned righteous.
Friday, 03/06 — Romans 5:1–11
Justified in Christ, we have peace with God and hope grounded in His love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Saturday, 03/07 — Romans 5:12–21
Christ, the new Adam, restores and fulfills what was lost through the first Adam’s sin.
Week Three
This week reflects on new life in the Spirit and the freedom found in Christ.
Sunday, 03/08 — John 4:5–42
Jesus offers living water and true worship in Spirit and truth to those who receive Him.
Monday, 03/09 — Romans 6:1–11
United with Christ in His death and resurrection, we are called to walk in newness of life.
Tuesday, 03/10 — Romans 6:12–23
Redeemed from sin, we now live righteously, receiving even now the eternal life that is in Christ.
Wednesday, 03/11 — Romans 7:1–12
The law is holy, yet cannot free us from sin; we live now under grace.
Thursday, 03/12 — Romans 7:13–25
The law exposes sin but cannot conquer it; deliverance comes through Jesus Christ.
Friday, 03/13 — Romans 8:1–13
No longer under condemnation, we are called to walk according to the Spirit, not the flesh.
Saturday, 03/14 — Romans 8:14–27
As children of God and heirs with Christ, we await the fullness of redemption by the Spirit’s power.
Week Four
Sunday, 03/15 — John 9:1–41
Christ gives true sight to the blind, revealing Himself as the Light of the world.
Monday, 03/16 — Romans 8:28–39
Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Tuesday, 03/17 — Romans 9:1–18
Paul wrestles with Israel’s unbelief, affirming God’s faithfulness to His promises.
Wednesday, 03/18 — Romans 9:19–33
Israel’s stumbling opens the way for the Gentiles in God’s providential plan.
Thursday, 03/19 — Romans 10:1–13
Christ is the fulfillment of the law; righteousness comes through faith for all who believe.
Friday, 03/20 — Romans 10:14–21
The gospel has gone forth to the nations, though many in Israel have not responded in faith.
Saturday, 03/21 — Romans 11:1–12
God’s promise to Israel endures, even as salvation extends to the nations.
Week Five
This week reflects on resurrection life, God’s faithfulness to Israel, and the transformation of life in Christ.
Sunday, 03/22 — John 11:1–45
Christ declares Himself the resurrection and the life; those who believe in Him receive new life.
Monday, 03/23 — Romans 11:13–24
Gentile believers are grafted into Israel’s promise and are warned not to boast but to remain firm in faith.
Tuesday, 03/24 — Romans 11:25–36
God’s providential plan will bring both Jew and Gentile to salvation; His gifts and call are irrevocable.
Wednesday, 03/25 — Romans 12:1–8
New life in Christ leads to transformed minds and lives offered to God in spiritual worship, expressed through diverse gifts.
Thursday, 03/26 — Romans 12:9–21
Paul exhorts the Christian community to sincere love, holiness, humility, and peace.
Friday, 03/27 — Romans 13:1–14
Believers are called to proper conduct toward authorities, love of neighbor, and readiness for the Lord’s return.
Saturday, 03/28 — Romans 14:1–12
We are to bear with one another in matters of conscience, refraining from judgment and entrusting all to the Lord.
Week Six – Holy Week
Holy Week leads us through Christ’s triumphal entry, His Passion, and the mystery of His saving death.
Sunday, 03/29 (Palm Sunday) — Matthew 21:1–11
Jesus enters Jerusalem as the promised Son of David, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah.
Monday, 03/30 — Romans 14:13–23
We hold our convictions while ensuring that our brother does not stumble because of our freedom.
Tuesday, 03/31 — Romans 15:1–13
Hospitality and unity mark the people of God, welcoming both Jew and Gentile into Christ’s saving work.
Wednesday, 04/01 — Romans 15:14–33
Paul recounts his ministry to the Gentiles and asks for prayer and partnership in the gospel.
Thursday, 04/02 — Romans 16:1–27
Paul closes with greetings, exhorting the believers to stand firm for peace and resist evil.
Friday, 04/03 (Good Friday) — Matthew 26–27
Meditation on the Passion of the Lord: His suffering, crucifixion, and saving death.
Saturday, 04/04 (Holy Saturday) — Matthew 26–27 (continued)
Continued meditation on the Passion as we await the joy of the Resurrection.
https://servantsoftheword.org/wp-content/assets/lent-m-p5.png
