Sunday February 26, 2023

First Sunday of Lent Cycle A

Let us pray to enter the fearful deserts of our hearts this Lent. May God’s mercy transform our anxieties. May our sins be healed in the balm of God’s tenderness.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray to embark on an inner journey in Lent. May our self-hatred find consolation and our inner wounds know only forgiveness. May our conscience become clear and lovingly.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray to clear away the debris of war, violence and gunfire toward the innocent. May our journey toward Easter find hope for the hopeless. May peace be planted firmly upon the earth.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for those who are brutalized by fearfulness.  May people suffering mental anguish find calm in this season of renewal. May people who live in the deserts of our streets find compassion and genuine shelter.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for people who search for a home within the Church. May those who will be baptized at Easter find a path of prayerful freedom this Lent.  

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for the survival of our earth.  May we work diligently for the healing of our planet. May our efforts be made visible.  May all desert places bloom with hope.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray to surrender all doubt and sin in this season of Lent. May our fasting deepen our hunger for what is our true feast, the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. May God alone fill our lives.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for those who cling to hope in the aftermath of storms. May we reach out to people who have lost livelihood and their belongings. May the chaos of life be calmed by our almsgiving.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for our loved ones who have journeyed home in death. May our hearts be consoled and our loved ones be freed in the face of Christ.

We pray to the Lord.