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40 Days of Accountability

Ash Wednesday 2025

An invitation to a deeper examination of the self.

The Office of the Chaplain believes that existence has a spiritual dimension that is best illuminated when it is deeply explored. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Christian season of Lent––a 40-day journey of personal introspection and repentance designed to mirror Jesus’ 40-day desert fast (Matthew 4:1-11). This year, the Office of the Chaplain invites you to participate in 40 Days of Friendship Accountability using methods developed in collaboration with Wake Forest’s Program for Leadership and Character.

Fasting can take various forms beyond abstaining from food. Consider these possibilities:

What issue, emotion, or relationship needs your focus/attention?

Is there a behavior you want to decrease or a practice you want to increase?

Is there a humanitarian cause or social justice issue that needs your attention?

Can your life be enhanced by adding prayer, meditation, or meaningful conversations?

Is there a protest that will benefit from your fiscal support?

Find a friend

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

In 1960, Dr. Maxwell Maltz published that it takes, at minimum, 21 days to form a new habit. With this in mind, we add the African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Now, picture this: If committing to 40 days was like your very own Mr. Beast Challenge, who would you want as your accountability buddy? If someone doesn’t spring to mind right away, this could be a wonderful opportunity to strengthen and build more meaningful friendships.

Ash Wednesday reminds us that on our paths of self-discovery, we may face challenges that tempt us to give up on our goals. But here’s the good news: friends can be our greatest allies, helping us navigate tough times and keeping us accountable—as true companions often do (just like the angels in Matthew 4:11).

To join the 40-day journey, neither you nor your friend must be “Christian,” just willing to take the journey alongside one another.

Details

The 40-day journey (not including Sundays) begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, and ends at sundown on Thursday, April 17th.

On March 5th, get your “Ashes on the Go” or a blessing in these locations:

Throughout your 40-day journey, check out the bulletin board outside the Office of the Chaplain in Reynolda Hall (suite 8) to reflect on your journey or share an encouraging note with others!

All members of the WFU community are invited to participate in 40 Days of Friendship Accountability regardless of religious affiliation.