A PRAYER FOR THE SEASON OF LENT

 

As we begin the season of Lent on this day of prayer, penance, and hope, I offer to you the following prayer I composed (based on the 1st reading of Ash Wednesday—Joel 2:12-18).  Peace, Friar Timothy

 

A PRAYER FOR THE SEASON OF LENT

—Based on the first reading of Ash Wednesday—Joel 2:12-18

 

Good and gracious God,

Enable me to return to you

with my whole heart!

 

During this Lenten season,

give me strength O Lord,

to persevere in fasting,

to replace sadness with joy,

to serve others with delight,

and always to give witness

to the wisdom of the beatitudes!

 

Allow me O Lord

to rend my inner self,

to love others from my heart,

and not to seek the esteem and praise

of my sisters and brothers

because of who I am, or what I do!

 

Help me to return to you

my Lord and my God!

 

O Lord, give me the strength

to be gracious and merciful,

to be slow to anger,

to be rich in kindness,

never to desire revenge,

and always to comport myself

without the slightest contempt

for my family members,

for my neighbors,

for those with whom I work,

and for all others I encounter

today and always!

Please forgive me O Lord

of my sins and shortcomings,

and bless me with your grace!

 

For to you my God,

I offer all that I am,

for you are my Lord and Savior,

and you my God

are the source and purpose

of my life's happiness and joy!

Amen!

Praise God!