Haiku is an ancient Japanese form of poetry consisting of seventeen syllables in three lines of five, seven, and five. In a mysterious way, the strict limitation sometimes evokes stronger expression.
I was inspired in 2025 to write daily haiku after reading Emily P. Freeman’s haiku in her Lenten Collection for her Quiet Collection app. The practice was so meaningful that I have continued it this year.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and continues until Holy Saturday (the day before Easter). The total number of calendar days in that span is 46 days. However, there are six Sundays during Lent. Because each Sunday is considered a weekly celebration of the Resurrection—a “mini-Easter”—they are not included in the penitential 40-day count.
When a specific Scripture passage or reading has inspired an entry, it is noted in parenthesis.
Ash Wednesday
And so it begins
You have felt so distant, Lord.
Dare I beg you now?
I take a deep breath
It’s Lent. I will ask boldly:
Make your presence known.
Lent Day 2, Thursday
Do not fret yourself.
The psalmist said it clearly.
Put your trust in God.
(Psalm 37)
Lent Day 3, Friday
Whatever is true
Whatever is just and pure
Think on these things.
(Philippians 4:8)
Lent Day 4, Saturday
Memorized scripture
is mine wherever I go
God speaking to me
This line when I’m sad:
“…but joy comes in the morning…”
brings hope and comfort
(Psalm 30:5b)
First Sunday in Lent
Life’s not “either/or”
Each side insists it is right
My way or nothing
Dark exists with Light
Death with Life; Hope with Despair
We must embrace the tension
Lent Day 5, Monday
The question for Lent
is not “What will I give up?”
but “Who will I be?”
(inspired by A Grown-Up Lent by Joanna Leiserson)
Lent Day 6, Tuesday
A better question
As I seek God during Lent:
”Whose will I be now?”
(inspired by A Grown-Up Lent by Joanna Leiserson)
Lent Day 7, Wednesday
Did Jesus have doubts?
Did he struggle with his faith?
He was human too.
Day 8, Thursday
I’ve made space each day
To draw near and be quiet
You are all around.
Day 9, Friday
Scripture is quite clear
Our body is a temple
Of the Holy Spirit
I must take more care
In what I eat…how I move
To steward this gift.
(1 Cor 6: 19-20 and 1 Cor 3: 16-17)
Day 10, Saturday
Love God. Love others.
Love is always the answer.
But it’s not easy.
(Mark 12:28-31)
Second Sunday in Lent
Rest on the sabbath
What does “rest” mean for me?
I rest in thee, Lord.
Lent 11, Monday
God is in plain sight
The sacred is everywhere
I must pause to see
Lent 12, Tuesday
Should I chase answers
To life, to faith, to purpose…
Or live with the questions?
(inspired by The Four Vision Quests of Jesus by Steven Charleston)
Lent 13, Wednesday
Impulse to find God
Is central to every faith
Seek and ye shall find
(inspired by The Four Vision Quests of Jesus by Steven Charleston and Matthew 7:7)
Lent 14, Thursday
Interrelated:
All things…all humanity
One hurts…we all hurt
(inspired by The Four Vision Quests of Jesus by Steven Charleston and Matthew 7:7)
Lent 15, Friday
I can’t shake the thought:
Christ is The Great Disruptor
Scary…thrilling too
(inspired by Lectio365.com 3/4/26)
Lent 16, Saturday
They were prayer warriors
Desert Fathers and Mothers
Seeking God and Truth
(inspired by Lectio365.com Lent series introduction)
Third Sunday in Lent
This is my struggle:
Can I trust God with my prayers?
Most seem unanswered
But is this the point?
Unanswered is not unheard
So I keep praying
Lent 17, Monday
A new day, new week
Beginnings are so hopeful
What’s your hope this week?
Lent 18, Tuesday
Spring peppers are out
Such a raucous, joyful sound
New growth all around
Lent Calls
Love day 5 and 6!