In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent
Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

Lent is a special time in the Church when we prepare for Easter. The In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent helps youth understand and live out this season. It focuses on how Jesus faced temptations in the desert and how we can follow His example.
The lesson plan teaches that Lent is a time to grow closer to Jesus. By practicing prayer, fasting, and giving to others, we learn to resist the same temptations Jesus faced. This helps us grow stronger in our faith and depend more on God.
Youth benefit from this lesson plan by learning the importance of self-control, humility, and trust in God. It shows them how to turn away from things that distract them from their faith. It also helps them understand the true meaning of Lent.
Overall, the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent provides practical ways for youth to connect with Jesus during Lent. It encourages them to make sacrifices and focus on their relationship with God, preparing their hearts for Easter.
Opening Game for the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent
Could You Give It Up Game
Begin the lesson plan on Lent by playing the Could You Give It Up game. In this game, youth think about what they could give up for Lent. See the complete instructions here.
Follow up with these questions:
- Were there things you could give up easily which others could not?
- Do you think it is good to challenge yourself with your Lenten practices?
- Did you get any new ideas for things to give up for Lent?
Some of us give up the same thing every year for Lent. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it is good to think about why we are giving it up and if it is bringing us closer to Jesus. Today, we will talk about the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving and how they relate to the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.
Scripture Reading for the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent
Read the Gospel:
Luke 4:1-13 (Jesus is tempted in the desert) – the Gospel Reading for the 1st Sunday of Lent – Year C
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil.
He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry.
The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”
Jesus answered him, “It is written, One does not live on bread alone.”
Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant.
The devil said to him, “I shall give to you all this power and glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me.”
Jesus said to him in reply, “It is written: You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.”
Then he led him to Jerusalem, made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written: He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you, and: With their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.”
Jesus said to him in reply, “It also says, You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”
When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.
Luke 4:1-13
Discussion for the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent
Lent invites us to experience 40 days in the desert with Jesus. Our Lenten practices help us do this, relating to the three temptations Jesus faced.
First, Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread. Jesus was hungry, so this was hard to resist. This temptation was about using His power for Himself instead of His mission from the Father.
Jesus responded, “One does not live on bread alone.” He knew doing His Father’s will was more important than pleasure and comfort.
This temptation relates to our desire for comfort and material goods. We resist this through fasting. By giving up something for Lent, we acknowledge that our relationship with Jesus is more important than our desires for food, entertainment, and comfort.
The second temptation was for Jesus to rule all the kingdoms of the world if He worshiped Satan. This temptation was about worldly glory and power, distracting Him from His mission to draw all nations to His Father.
Jesus replied, “You shall worship the Lord, your God, and Him alone shall you serve.” He knew all power and glory belong to God, not humans.
We can counter this temptation for power by loving weakness instead. We do this by helping the powerless, such as the poor, immigrants, elderly, and marginalized. Through almsgiving, we help those in need and understand that influence and popularity are not our goals.
The third temptation was for Jesus to rely on Himself instead of trusting His Father. This was about testing His Father and focusing on His own importance, driven by ego.
Jesus answered, “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” We must trust God instead of ourselves and not make demands on our Father.
Prayer helps keep our egos in check. Through prayer, we remember our dependence on God and His gifts to us. We put God first, not ourselves. Prayer reminds us of our place in the universe.
As we journey in the desert with Jesus this Lent, we face temptations as He did and can respond as He did. Choose challenging Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This will help control your appetite for pleasure, desire for popularity, and need to put yourself first.
Small Group Reflection Questions for the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent
In small groups, youth further explore how Jesus’ time in the desert and His response to temptation can guide our Lenten journey.
- How did Jesus respond to each of the devil’s temptations?
- What can we learn from Jesus’ responses about handling our own temptations?
- Why is prayer important during Lent?
- How can daily prayer help us resist temptation?
- Share a time when prayer helped you in a difficult situation.
- What does fasting mean to you?
- How does giving up something help us focus more on God?
- What are some things you can fast from this Lent that will help you grow spiritually?
- Why is helping others an important part of Lent?
- Who are some people in need in our community that we can help?
- Share an experience where giving to others made a difference in your life.
- Which of the three temptations (comfort, power, ego) do you struggle with the most?
- How can you use prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to overcome this temptation?
- What specific actions will you take this Lent to grow closer to Jesus?
Challenge for the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent
This week, take some quiet time to reflect on your Lenten practices. Think about how you are incorporating prayer, fasting, and almsgiving into your daily life. Ask yourself if these practices are helping you grow closer to God and follow Jesus’ example.
If you haven’t already, make a firm commitment to specific acts of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Choose practices that are meaningful to you and will help you deepen your faith. Consider setting aside a dedicated time each day for prayer, deciding on something specific to fast from, and planning how you will give to others.
Examine the choices you’ve made. Are they challenging enough to push you spiritually? If they seem too easy, consider making them a bit more difficult. For example, if you decided to give up sweets, could you also fast from unnecessary screen time? If you committed to a few minutes of prayer each day, could you extend it to 15 minutes or include a daily Scripture reading?
While it’s important to challenge yourself, be careful not to set goals that are unrealistic. Your Lenten promises should stretch you but should still be attainable. For example, if you have a busy schedule, committing to an hour of prayer each day might be too much. Instead, aim for a consistent, manageable routine that you can stick to.
Share your Lenten commitments with a friend, family member, or your small group. Having someone to encourage you and hold you accountable can make a big difference. You can also discuss any difficulties you face and get advice on how to overcome them.
Keep in mind that the goal of these practices is to grow closer to Jesus and prepare your heart for Easter. Each time you face a challenge or temptation, remember Jesus’ time in the desert and His example of faithfulness and trust in God.
Prayer for the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent
As we conclude our reflection, let us take a moment to offer our petitions to God. Think about the areas in your life where you need strength, guidance, or forgiveness. Reflect on the challenges you face in your Lenten journey and the growth you seek. Invite each group member to share their personal intentions aloud or silently. As we pray together, let us support one another in our commitments to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Conclude the lesson plan on Lent by praying the Fasting and Feasting Prayer. See a printable copy here.
More Resources for the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent
Themes for the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent
- Temptation and Resistance: Jesus faced temptations in the desert. We learn to resist temptations by focusing on God. Lent helps us practice this resistance.
- Trust in God: Jesus trusted His Father completely. We are called to trust God in all things. This trust strengthens our faith.
- Self-Control: Jesus showed self-control by not turning stones into bread. We practice self-control through fasting. This helps us focus on God instead of our desires.
- Humility: Jesus refused worldly power and glory. We learn humility by helping others and serving God. Humility brings us closer to God.
- Dependence on God: Jesus depended on His Father, not Himself. We learn to depend on God through prayer. This dependence deepens our relationship with Him.
- Sacrifice: Jesus sacrificed His own comfort in the desert. We practice sacrifice by giving up things during Lent. This helps us understand Jesus’ sacrifice for us.
- Worship: Jesus worshiped God alone. We are reminded to worship only God. True worship keeps us faithful.
- Strength in Weakness: Jesus showed strength by refusing the devil’s offers. We find strength in our weaknesses through God’s help. Lent teaches us to rely on God.
- Prayer: Jesus used Scripture to respond to temptations. We use prayer to stay connected to God. Prayer is essential during Lent.
- Mission: Jesus stayed true to His mission. We are called to live out our mission as Christians. Lent helps us refocus on this mission.
- Service: Jesus served His Father’s will. We serve God by helping others. Lent is a time to increase our acts of service.
- Obedience: Jesus was obedient to His Father. We learn to be obedient to God’s will. This obedience brings us peace.
- Faithfulness: Jesus remained faithful despite temptation. We are called to be faithful in our daily lives. Lent strengthens our commitment to God.
- Renewal: Jesus’ time in the desert was a time of preparation. Lent is a time for spiritual renewal. It prepares us for Easter.
Background Material for the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent
The In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent is rooted in Catholic teaching and tradition. This lesson plan helps us understand Jesus’ time in the desert and how it relates to our own Lenten journey.
In the Bible, Luke 4:1-13 tells the story of Jesus being led by the Spirit into the desert. He fasted for forty days and faced temptations from the devil. This event is important because it shows Jesus’ humanity and His strength in resisting temptation. It also sets an example for us to follow during Lent.
Lent is a forty-day period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. It prepares us for Easter, the most important celebration in the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert” (CCC 540). This means that our Lenten practices connect us to Jesus’ time in the desert.
The In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent focuses on three main themes: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These are the traditional practices of Lent, and they help us grow closer to God.
Prayer is important because it keeps us connected to God. Jesus prayed in the desert, using Scripture to respond to the devil’s temptations. This shows us how important it is to know and use God’s Word in our own lives. In the lesson plan on Lent, we emphasize daily prayer and Scripture reading. This helps us build a strong relationship with God.
Fasting is another key aspect of Lent. Jesus fasted for forty days, showing His dependence on God. Fasting helps us practice self-control and reminds us that our physical needs are not the most important. The Catechism teaches, “Jesus’ temptation reveals the way in which the Son of God is Messiah, contrary to the way Satan proposes to him and the way men wish to attribute to him” (CCC 540). By fasting, we follow Jesus’ example and resist the temptation to put our desires above God’s will.
Almsgiving, or giving to those in need, is the third practice of Lent. Jesus taught us to care for the poor and marginalized. In the desert, He rejected the devil’s offer of worldly power, showing that true power comes from serving others. The lesson plan on Lent encourages acts of charity and service. This helps us put others before ourselves and follow Jesus’ example of love and compassion.
The In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent also highlights the importance of resisting temptation. Jesus was tempted by the devil to turn stones into bread, to gain worldly power, and to test God’s protection. In each case, Jesus resisted by trusting in God and using Scripture. This teaches us to rely on God’s strength when we face our own temptations.
St. Thomas Aquinas, a Doctor of the Church, wrote about the importance of these Lenten practices. He said that fasting helps to “bridle the lusts of the flesh,” prayer helps to “raise the mind to heavenly things,” and almsgiving helps to “relieve our neighbor’s need.” These practices help us grow in virtue and holiness.
The In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent helps us understand and live out the true meaning of Lent. It connects us to Jesus’ time in the desert and teaches us the importance of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. By following this lesson plan, we grow closer to God and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. This lesson plan is a valuable tool for deepening our faith and commitment to living as disciples of Christ.
Music Suggestions for the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent
- Desert Song by Hillsong
- 40 Days by Matt Maher
- Hosea by John Michael Talbot

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections
For more free lesson plans and reflections, visit our Young Catholics Lesson Plans Page. Teachers, youth ministers, and catechists can find additional resources like the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent. These materials will help you guide youth through Lent and deepen their faith. Check out the site for ideas and support in your ministry work.
Questions and Answers for the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent
What is the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent?
The In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent helps youth understand and practice the Lenten season. It focuses on Jesus’ time in the desert, His temptations, and how we can follow His example through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Who can use this lesson plan on Lent?
Teachers, youth ministers, catechists, and parents can use the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent to guide youth during Lent. It is designed for young people but can be adapted for other age groups.
What are the main themes of the lesson plan on Lent?
The main themes are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These practices help us grow closer to God and follow Jesus’ example in the desert.
How does the lesson plan on Lent teach about prayer?
The lesson plan on Lent emphasizes daily prayer and Scripture reading. It shows how Jesus used Scripture to resist temptation and encourages youth to connect with God through regular prayer.
What does the lesson plan on Lent say about fasting?
The lesson plan on Lent teaches that fasting helps us practice self-control and depend on God. It follows Jesus’ example of fasting in the desert and encourages giving up something during Lent to focus more on God.
How does the lesson plan on Lent approach almsgiving?
The lesson plan on Lent encourages acts of charity and service. It teaches youth to follow Jesus’ example of caring for the poor and marginalized by helping those in need during Lent.
Why is resisting temptation important in this lesson plan on Lent?
Resisting temptation is a key part of the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent. It shows how Jesus resisted the devil’s temptations by trusting in God. The plan helps youth understand the importance of relying on God’s strength in their own lives.
How long does the lesson plan on Lent take to complete?
The lesson plan on Lent is designed to be used throughout the 40 days of Lent. It provides activities and reflections for each week, helping youth stay focused on their Lenten journey.
Can this lesson plan on Lent be used in a group setting?
Yes, the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent is great for group settings like youth groups, classes, or family discussions. It includes activities and discussions that work well in groups.
Conclusion
The In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent is designed to help youth understand and live out the Lenten season. It focuses on Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, where He fasted, prayed, and resisted temptations from the devil. This lesson plan helps youth connect with Jesus’ experiences and apply them to their own lives.
The lesson plan on Lent emphasizes three main practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Through prayer, youth learn to stay connected with God and seek His guidance. Fasting teaches self-control and reminds us to rely on God rather than our own desires. Almsgiving encourages acts of charity and service, helping youth understand the importance of caring for others.
In addition to these practices, the lesson plan highlights the importance of resisting temptation. By studying how Jesus resisted the devil, youth learn to trust in God’s strength and use Scripture to overcome their own challenges. This helps them grow in faith and become stronger disciples of Christ.
Overall, the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent provides a practical and meaningful way for youth to deepen their faith during Lent. It encourages them to follow Jesus’ example and prepare their hearts for the joy of Easter. This lesson plan is a valuable resource for teachers, youth ministers, and parents who want to guide young people in their Lenten journey.
Your Turn
Try the In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent with your youth group or family. It offers a meaningful way to connect with Jesus during Lent through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. After trying it, share your own variations and notes in the comment section. We would love to hear how you adapt the lesson plan to fit your needs. Let’s grow in faith together this Lent.
Leave a Reply