An Lenten Prayer In the passing of the seasons, phases of the moon, rising and setting of the sun, and the stars glowing in the universe, may my love deepen and expand. In the twisting, turning, and tumbling of everyday comings and goings, in the joys and sorrows that visit me, may my love deepen and expand. In the voices of people who have become central in my heart, who tame the rough edges of my hidden self, may my love deepen and expand. In the faces of strangers and passersby, in each human whose spirit joins invisibly with my own, may my love deepen and expand. In the lonely, distraught, and disdained persons longing to be respected and treated compassionately, may my love deepen and expand. In the unity that resides among everything that exists upon and within this beloved planet we call “our Earth,” may my love deepen and expand. In the moments when the truth of my inherent goodness reveals itself and sends me forth to be kind to others, may my love deepen and expand. In the silent prayer of my heart when I pause to be in deliberate relationship with you—the Holy One who guides my life, may my love deepen and expand. In graced situations when the truth of my unfinishedness and the lack of being all I could be comes to greet me, may my love deepen and expand. In the motivation found inside the journey of Jesus, his compassionate life, and the generous way he responded to others, may my love deepen and expand. In the heartbeat of hope coming from stories of the Risen Christ, a steady Light-filled presence living on within me, may my love deepen and expand. In this moment, this day, this place, this time, this body that is mine, when I repeatedly open my mind and heart to you, may my love deepen and expand. Guide of my life, may I be as present to you as you are to me. In giving myself to the process of spiritual growth, I trust you will show the way to live as my truest self. In all I am and all I do, my heart rests in your abiding love. (joyce Rupp)
A Lenten Prayer Look with favor, Lord, on your household. Grant that, though our flesh be humbled by abstinence from food, our souls, hungering after you, may be resplendent in your sight. - Pope Pius V
Invite Us Deeper Almighty and ever living God, you invite us deeper into your world, your people, your Lent. May this time be one of outward focus; seeking you in those we often ignore. Help us live a Lent focused on freedom, generosity, and encounter. Give us hearts hungry to serve you and those who need what we have to give. - Author Unknown
The Fast Life Fast from judging others; Feast on Christ dwelling in them. Fast from fear of illness; Feast on the healing power of God. Fast from words that pollute; Feast on speech that purifies. Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude. Fast from anger; Feast on patience. Fast from pessimism; Feast on hope. Fast from negatives; Feast on encouragement. Fast from bitterness; Feast on forgiveness. Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion. Fast from suspicion; Feast on truth. Fast from gossip; Feast on purposeful silence. Fast from problems that overwhelm; Feast on prayer that sustains. Fast from anxiety; Feast on faith. - Author Unknown