40days.ai

Desert 40

Forty days in three parts — prayer, asceticism, and fraternity — the same shape Moses found on the mountain, Elijah on the road, and Jesus in the wilderness. Each day you pray, you deny yourself something, and you check in, honestly, with your companion.

What Desert 40 is

Three pillars, walked together: prayer that makes room for God, asceticism that loosens what you cling to, and fraternity — a companion, and a community — that keeps you from walking alone.

There is no streak to protect here, and no shame waiting on the other side of a stumble. A missed day is an invitation to begin again, not a verdict. Grace runs all the way through this.

Two ways in

Desert 40 — Anytime

A 40-day challenge you can begin on any day. Three pillars — prayer, asceticism, and fraternity — walked one day at a time, with a daily check-in.

Begin

Desert 40 — Lent 2027

10 February – 27 March 2027

The annual Lent cohort, walked together from Ash Wednesday to the Easter Vigil. Ash Wednesday is 10 February 2027; the Easter Vigil is 27 March 2027.

Begin

Desert 40 — Lent 2028

1 March – 15 April 2028

The annual Lent cohort, walked together from Ash Wednesday to the Easter Vigil. Ash Wednesday is 1 March 2028; the Easter Vigil is 15 April 2028.

Begin

The rule, by track

Prayer

  • 20 minutes of silent prayer — Speak to the Lord and actively listen. Both the speaking and the silence.
  • Read the day's Gospel — The Gospel reading of the day, prayerfully.
  • Daily reflection — A short daily reflection to carry into the day.

Asceticism

  • Short showers
  • Regular, intense exercise
  • A full night's sleep — Seven hours or more.
  • No alcohol
  • No desserts or sweets
  • No soda or sweet drinks — White milk, black coffee, and black tea are fine.
  • No TV, movies, or televised sports alone — With your spouse or at a social event is fine.
  • No video games
  • No non-essential purchases
  • Only music and podcasts that lift the soul to God
  • Computer only for work, school, or essentials
  • Phone only for essential communication
  • Fast on Wednesdays and Fridays — No meat; one full meal plus two smaller meals that together don't equal a full meal.

Fraternity

  • Daily check-in with your companion — Your Anchor for the journey — show up each day, honestly.
Begin Desert 40