8 Worship Songs For The Lenten Season (Preparation & Repentance)

Lent is a season of stripping away. For the 40 days leading up to Easter, the church historically enters a time of fasting, repentance, and reflection. It is a journey into the wilderness to walk with Jesus toward Jerusalem and, ultimately, the Cross.

Planning worship for Lent requires a shift in tone. It isn’t necessarily sad, but it is sober. It is a time to lower the lights, simplify the arrangements, and sing songs that help your congregation examine their hearts. Joel 2:12 sets the theme: “Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Why These Songs Fit The Season

We selected these songs because:

  • They are reflective. They allow space for silence and introspection, which is vital during Lent.
  • They focus on the cross. They keep the destination (Calvary) in view throughout the season.
  • They invite repentance. The lyrics give people language to confess their sins and return to their first love.

8 Songs For The Wilderness Journey

  1. Man Of Sorrows – This is the definitive Lenten anthem. It traces the path of the Suffering Servant from Isaiah 53 to the cross. It is somber yet triumphant, perfect for setting the tone of the season.
  2. Nothing Else – Lent is about fasting—giving up good things to focus on the best thing. This song is a musical fast, declaring, “I just want You, nothing else.” It is a powerful prayer of realignment.
  3. Jesus Paid It All – As we reflect on our sin during Lent, we need to be reminded of the payment. This hymn acknowledges that we have nothing good of our own to bring, and that He is our only hope.
  4. Lead On Good Shepherd – The Lenten journey is a walk. This song commits to following Jesus “step by step, day by day,” even through the valley of the shadow of death. It fits the pilgrimage theme of the season perfectly.
  5. Lord I Need You – “Teach my song to rise to You when temptation comes my way.” Since Lent parallels Christ’s 40 days of temptation in the desert, this prayer of dependency is incredibly relevant.
  6. Give Me Jesus – This spiritual is a song of renunciation. It helps the church practice the discipline of letting go of the world to hold onto Christ, which is the heart of Lenten practice.
  7. O Come To The Altar – Lent naturally leads to the altar. This song is an open invitation for those who are “hurting and broken” to find restoration. It works beautifully as a closing song during this season.
  8. The Old Rugged Cross – Sometimes you need to return to the foundations. This hymn helps the church “cherish the old rugged cross” and prepares their hearts for the weight of Good Friday.

Example Lenten Setlists

Setlist 1 (Ash Wednesday Vibe)

  1. Lord I Need You – Opens with a confession of need.
  2. Nothing Else – Deepens the focus on repentance.
  3. Man Of Sorrows – Turns our eyes to the Savior.

Setlist 2 (The Road To The Cross)

  1. Lead On Good Shepherd – A commitment to walk the path.
  2. Give Me Jesus – A declaration of value and priority.
  3. Jesus Paid It All – Anchors the set in the atonement.

How To Use These Songs In Your Church

  • Simplify the sound. Lent is not the time for massive walls of sound. Try leading Give Me Jesus with just an acoustic guitar or cello. Let the emptiness of the arrangement reflect the season.
  • Use silence. After singing Nothing Else, don’t be afraid to let the room sit in silence for 30 seconds. Train your people to be comfortable with quiet.
  • Focus on lyrics. During Lent, the words matter more than the vibe. Ensure the vocals are mixed high so the theology of Man Of Sorrows is clearly heard.

Next Steps

Lent is a journey, not just a Sunday. Create a “Lenten Playlist” for your church using these songs and share it with them, encouraging them to listen during their commute to prepare their hearts for Easter.

By Jonah Stevens, WorshipChords Editorial Staff

More Worship Resources: