Wednesday February 14, 2024

Ash Wednesday

For our Universal Church as we begin this Lenten journey. May our communities discover God’s healing mercy in our days of reflection and renewal.

We pray to the Lord.

For all religious leaders as we begin our journey toward Easter. May every leader find humility in the cross of ashes on our foreheads this day. May we surrender to God and turn toward justice for all people under heaven.

We pray to the Lord.

For all communities and organizations who benefit from our almsgiving. May our communities be renewed with our financial efforts and volunteering. May the Lenten season reveal the goodness of all people.

We pray to the Lord.

For a new courage to pray. May our Lenten journey help us find Christ within our stories of life. May we trust God’s healing presence. May we surrender joyfully to Christ’s enduring love.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who fast in these Lenten days. May our fasting from food, violence and falsity, fill us with new life. May we learn a new reliance on Christ’s passion and resurrection.

We pray to the Lord.

For our neighbors who need assistance with the basics of life. May we open our eyes to the needs of people as we enter the Lenten desert. May we reach out to others in joy.

We pray to the Lord.

For all in need of renewal and healing during this Lenten time. May forgiveness be near for the sinner and hope be on the lips of us who renew baptismal promises this Lenten season.

We pray to the Lord.

For kindness in our political lives. May our divisions be healed and words of hope be on the lips of people who serve our country.

We pray to the Lord.

For all people who bear the marks of shame and guilt within them. May our Lenten journey heal our hearts in the Cross of Christ. May God’s love become our true identify.  

We pray to the Lord.

For our beloved dead. May our loved ones know God’s mercy and forgiveness in their eternal home in heaven.

We pray to the Lord.