How the challenge works
For those who join the 40 Day Habit Challenge, they aim to complete five small but intentional habits each day for 40 days. Participants keep track of their progress and share their score with others completing the challenge for accountability and encouragement. Many people will miss some habits or have a lower score than they expected. This is not a problem. The goal is to learn from your experience and make progress over the 40 days.
The Five Daily Habits
1. Read 10 verses of the Bible
Building a habit of consistent Bible reading lies at the heart of the habit challenge. We have chosen ten verses as it is an achievable starting point. Of course, it’s fine for people to read more than 10 verses but that’s not required to complete this habit.
2. Pray for each person in your group
At the beginning of the challenge, each person shares a one sentence prayer they would like the other members of the group to pray for over the 40 days. This habit is to pray these prayers each day of the challenge. Praying the same point consistently is a wonderful way to see the way that God answers prayers .
3. Exercise for 10 minutes
The exercise does not need to be strenuous. It may be as simple as walking around the block. The aim is to establish a regular habit of caring for the body God has given us.
4. Read one page of a Christian book
Reading one page each day introduces participants to the value of Christian books and provides another opportunity to think about their faith.
5. Something you choose
Each participant chooses a personal habit they would like to develop or leave behind.
This might include:
- sending an encouraging message each day
- having a gospel conversation each day
- practising a musical instrument
- flossing each day
- avoiding social media
- avoiding online shopping
- giving up soft drink
Small Groups
Participants are placed in groups of approximately five to eight people. Each group connects through WhatsApp or a similar messaging platform and is supported by a group coordinator.
The groups do not need to meet in person. Their purpose is to provide encouragement, prayer and accountability throughout the challenge.
At the beginning of the challenge, each participant shares their prayer point and chosen fifth habit with the group.
Keeping Track
Participants receive one point for each habit they complete each day. This gives a maximum daily score of five and a maximum weekly score of 35.
Every Monday, participants post their score from the previous week in their WhatsApp group. They are also encouraged to share something they have learnt, something that has worked well or something they have found difficult.