Lent Dice

Lent Dice is a simple way to help children and teens stay focused during Lent. It helps them practice prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in a hands-on and engaging way. Each day, they roll two dice. One tells them what to do, and the other tells them who to offer it for. This gives them a sense of purpose and helps them grow in faith.

The dice take the pressure off of planning ahead. The activity is chosen randomly, so there’s a bit of fun and surprise. But the goal stays the same each day: grow closer to God and love others. It turns everyday choices into small acts of faith.

This tool works well at home, in religious education classes, or in youth groups. It gives structure to Lent without being too heavy. Children of all ages can use it with help from an adult. Older kids can take more ownership of the process.

Lent is a time when Catholics are called to turn away from sin and turn toward God. The Church encourages us to focus on three things during this season: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Lent Dice helps young people live those out in a simple and active way.

Some children need a little variety to stay engaged. When the activity changes each day, it keeps things interesting. They won’t get stuck in a routine that feels like a chore. Instead, they look forward to seeing what comes next. It becomes a moment of discovery.

Rolling the dice also helps with intentionality. It’s not just about doing something. It’s about offering that action for someone else. This teaches kids that their sacrifices and prayers have meaning. They are not alone in Lent. They walk with others.

This practice builds empathy and spiritual habits. Even a short prayer or a small sacrifice done with love can shape a young heart. It shows them how they can grow in holiness through simple daily choices.

To make Lent Dice, start with two blank dice such as these extra large wood dice. Wooden blocks or plastic craft dice work well. If you don’t have any, you can also use paper, cardstock, or small boxes. Write one activity on each face of the first die. This die will include two prayer ideas, two fasting ideas, and two almsgiving ideas.

Examples of prayer actions include saying a Hail Mary for someone or praying silently for five minutes. Fasting actions might be skipping dessert or giving up screen time for an hour. Almsgiving can mean donating a toy or helping someone in the family without being asked.

The second die is for intentions. Write down six different people or groups the child can pray for. These might include a friend who is sick, someone who has hurt their feelings, people without homes, or anyone they know who needs help or love.

Let the children help decide what to write. This gives them ownership and helps them think about others. You can decorate the dice with symbols or colors if you want, but keep the focus on the purpose.

Each day during Lent, pick a regular time to roll the dice. Morning works well so the child can do the activity throughout the day. After rolling, talk briefly about what the two dice mean. One tells the action, and the other tells the person they are offering it for.

Encourage the child to follow through with the activity. Some actions might take a few minutes. Others may last longer. Either way, help them reflect on the person they are lifting up in prayer or sacrifice. A short prayer like “Jesus, I offer this for…” can help them focus.

At the end of the day, you can check in. Ask how it went. Was it easy or hard? Did they remember to do it? Did they think about the person during the day? These small conversations help deepen the meaning of the practice.

You might keep the dice in a prayer corner or on the kitchen table. When it becomes part of the daily rhythm, it feels more natural and easier to continue.

Lent Dice can be adjusted for any age. Younger children may need help reading the dice or carrying out the activities. Keep things very simple for them. You might do the activity with them or help them remember during the day.

Older children and teens can take more responsibility. They might come up with their own ideas for what to write on the dice. They can also think more deeply about the people they want to pray for. This helps them take ownership of their spiritual growth.

In a classroom or youth group, the dice can be used during prayer time. One student can roll for the group, or each child can have a turn during the week. The group might reflect together on how they lived out the activity.

This tool also works well in family settings. Parents can roll the dice with their children and participate too. It becomes a shared experience, not just something for the kids.

The three actions of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are ancient parts of our Catholic life. Jesus spoke of them clearly in the Gospel. During Lent, the Church invites us to focus on these practices in a deeper way. Lent Dice is one small way to do that with children and families.

Offering our prayers and sacrifices for others is a long-standing Catholic tradition. The saints remind us that no act of love is wasted. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux spoke about doing small things with great love. Lent Dice invites children to do just that.

Pope Francis often encourages us to reach out to others, especially the poor, the lonely, and those in need of healing. Lent Dice turns that call into something simple and doable for kids. It shows them that faith is not just in our heads. It’s something we live each day.

By using the dice, families can grow closer to God and to one another. It helps children see Lent not as a burden, but as a time of love, service, and growth.

See more Lenten resources and ideas for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving here.

Lent Dice can help you connect your daily actions to stories in the Bible. Each time you pray, give, or fast, you are doing something that Jesus did. You are also living out what the Church teaches.

When you pray, you can remember how Jesus went to a quiet place to talk to God. He prayed in the desert and in the garden. He shows us that prayer is important. We don’t need fancy words. We just need to spend time with God.

When you fast or give something up, think of how Jesus fasted for 40 days. He said no to himself so He could say yes to God. Fasting helps us stay focused on what matters. It helps us listen better to God.

When you give or do something kind for others, remember the story of the Good Samaritan. He saw someone who needed help, and he took action. You can do the same in your own small way.

These actions are also part of what the Church teaches. The Catechism says, “The seasons and days of penance in the course of the liturgical year…are intense moments of the Church’s penitential practice” (CCC 1438). That means Lent is a time to grow closer to God through action.

Lent Dice gives you little ways to live these Bible truths. You may only roll a die, but each time you do, you’re choosing to walk with Jesus.

Little Things Make a Big Difference

Lent can feel like a long season. Sometimes we’re not sure what to do. We hear about prayer, fasting, and giving, but it’s hard to know where to start. Lent Dice is one way to keep things simple. It helps you take small steps each day without overthinking it.

Rolling the dice might seem like a game. But it’s more than that. Each time you roll, you’re choosing to grow. You’re deciding to do something for God and for someone else. That matters. You’re training your heart to love, serve, and pray.

Some days, the activity might feel easy. Other days, it might feel annoying or boring. That’s okay. Lent isn’t about being perfect. It’s about trying. If you skip a day, don’t give up. Just try again. God isn’t keeping score. He just wants your effort.

When you offer your action for someone else, it changes how you think. You might pray for a friend who’s struggling or fast for someone who feels alone. You might give your time to help at home or give up something you enjoy. These small choices shape who you’re becoming.

You don’t need big plans to live out Lent. You just need a willing heart. God can use your small acts of kindness, sacrifice, and prayer. Lent Dice helps you remember that every little choice counts.

If you do this with others—your family, your class, or your youth group—it can help everyone stay focused. You’ll start noticing how your actions connect to your faith. You’ll be more aware of the people around you and how you can serve them.

So don’t stress about getting it perfect. Just show up. Roll the dice. Do the thing. Offer it with love. That’s what Lent is really about—turning your heart back to God, one step at a time.

Prayer

Jesus, help me to keep my heart open during Lent.
When I roll the dice, remind me to listen to you.
Help me care about others and do small things with love.
Give me the strength to keep trying, even when it’s hard.
Walk with me each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. What’s one small way I can give something up for someone else?
2. How do I feel when I do something kind for someone I don’t usually think about?
3. Is it hard to pray for people who hurt me? Why or why not?
4. What part of Lent Dice would help me grow the most—prayer, fasting, or giving?

What is Lent Dice?

Lent Dice is a simple activity to help kids live out Lent. Each day, they roll two dice. One shows what to do. The other shows who to do it for.

What do I write on the dice?

On the first die, write two prayer activities, two fasting ideas, and two ways to give. On the second die, write six different people or groups to offer the activity for.

What if I don’t have blank dice?

You can use a piece of paper instead. Write a list of numbers 1 to 6. Next to each number, write an activity or an intention. Then roll regular dice and match the numbers to your list.

What kinds of things should go on the dice?

Keep it simple. Say a prayer. Give something up. Do something kind. Pray for someone who is sick. Think about someone who needs help. Pick ideas that are easy for kids to understand.

Can younger children do this?

Yes. They may need help reading or remembering the task. But they can still join in. Simple actions work best for younger kids.

How often should we roll the dice?

Once a day is a good goal. Try doing it in the morning. It helps start the day with a focus on God and others.

What if we miss a day?

That’s okay. Just start again the next day. Lent is not about being perfect. It’s about trying to grow closer to Jesus.

Can teens use Lent Dice too?

Yes. Older kids can come up with their own ideas for the dice. They can choose more meaningful actions and deeper intentions.

Can this be used in a group setting?

Yes. Lent Dice works in classrooms, youth groups, or families. One person can roll the dice for everyone, or each person can take a turn.

Why use dice at all?

Dice add a little fun and surprise. They also help with variety. Kids don’t get bored. It keeps Lent fresh and interesting.

Lent Dice helps children grow in faith through small daily actions. It gives them something clear and simple to do each day. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving become part of their daily routine in a fun and meaningful way.

This tool is flexible and easy to use. It works well at home, in religious education, or in a youth group setting. It does not take much time, but it helps kids stay focused during the season. They learn to think of others and offer small sacrifices with love.

Parents, catechists, and youth ministers can all use this idea. It can start meaningful conversations and help young people see Lent as a time of giving and prayer. The dice bring variety and joy into the daily Lenten journey.

Simple tools like this help make Lent real for children. It connects their actions with their faith. And it invites them to take one small step each day toward Jesus.

Lent Dice is a fun way to help kids stay focused on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It’s easy to set up and works well for all ages. Whether you use it at home or in a group, it gives children a simple way to grow in faith each day.

Have you tried using Lent Dice with your family or class? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments. Others may be inspired by how it worked for you. Your tips can help someone else get started too.