Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”
Compiled by John V. Kruse
April 3-9, 2023
Monday, April 3. Jesus, forgiveness can be one of the toughest things to do in life. Wounds inflicted by others can pierce me deeply. Keep me mindful of your unconditional love for me so that I may be truly sorry for having offended you. As I remember your own willingness to forgive me of my failings, I ask for the inner strength to forgive those who wrong me, especially when it is most difficult.
Tuesday, April 4. Generous Father, knowing that I am in your loving hands, I turn the cares and anxieties of my life over to you and confidently trust that you will take care of all of my needs.
Wednesday, April 5. Lord Jesus, you demonstrated your great love for me by all that you were willing to suffer for my sake. I cannot begin to comprehend the depths of this love. Keep me ever mindful of the great magnitude of your sacrifice. Enkindled by the fire of your love may I too be willing to pour out my life so that I may make your love known in the world.
Thursday, April 6. Lord Jesus, giving of myself for the sake of others is one of the most difficult things to do in life, yet this is what you call me to do. At the last supper you celebrated with your friends, you showed me that this is the way to a life worth living, this is the way to life with you. May the example of your great sacrifice and loving service to others inspire and strengthen me to lay down my own life in loving service to others.
Friday, April 7. Jesus, my Savior, there are many reasons this day is “good”. Today we remember how you showed your love for us, how you conquered death and suffering and won our redemption for us, and how you demonstrated that to come to life, we must first die to ourselves. Because of your sacrifice, death and suffering no longer have the final word. The victory which you won through your death is truly good, and I praise you for it. Today I unite my trials and sufferings with your own so that they too might become good. I ask you to continue to pour out your blessings upon me and to be my strength as I seek to be your faithful disciple.
Saturday, April 8. Lord God, I give you thanks for all of the blessings with which you have showered me: the gift of life itself, my family and friends, the beauty of creation, and all that which sustains my life. I give you thanks not only for the seemingly good things of life but for all of my life, including the times of challenge, trials, and suffering. I thank you especially for calling me to share in your Son’s victory over sin and death.
Sunday, April 9 (Easter Sunday). Resurrected Lord, I join with all creation in celebrating the feast of your victory. Alleluia! The light of your resurrection gives new meaning to all of life. Death and suffering no longer have the final word. You have conquered the night and death and brought to us day and life. May the joy of Easter be with me always. Renew me and fill me with your risen life as I seek to bring the good news of your resurrection to the world.