Lent Prayers taken from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”, compiled by John V. Kruse.
Monday, March 8. Lord Jesus, you did not avoid suffering. With great faith in your Father, you faced it head-on. I live in a world that urges me to avoid suffering at all costs. Give me strength as I too face suffering in life. Help me to remember that suffering is part of the growth process of becoming like you.
Tuesday, March 9. Lord Jesus, while our society tells us that freedom means doing whatever we want, you tell us that the way to genuine freedom is by following you, the Truth. Guide me with your Holy Spirit so that I may faithfully discern the messages that surround me. Lead me to the freedom you promise by showing me your truth and by helping me always to devote my life to what is good and worthy of you.
Wednesday, March 10. Our Lord, you are not a distant god. Rather, you loved us so much that you drew near to us by becoming one of us. You revealed yourself to us through the gift of your Son two thousand years ago, and you continue to reveal yourself to us in the loving union and friendship we share with him today. Be near to us. Show yourself to us. Fill us with your love.
Thursday, March 11. Lord, my Shepherd, I know that sometimes I stray from you. This Lenten season, I seek to follow you more closely. My path in life can be unclear. There are many false shepherds in the world who seek to lead me in ways different from your own. Yet these shepherds do not care for me as you do. Their ways do not lead to true life. When I am lost, when I am confused, when I stray from you, seek me out and shepherd me, Lord.
Friday, March 12. Creator of the universe, you have made me in your own image and likeness. This alone demonstrates my deep connection to you and endows me and all other people with special value and dignity. This Lenten season remind me of how precious I am in your eyes and keep me ever mindful of my own dignity and worth as well as that of others.
Saturday, March 13. Christ, I fill my life with so many activities and projects that I often make it more complicated than I need to. I further complicate my life by trying to understand and control all that is happening around me. In so doing, I distract myself from simple faith in you. Help me as I seek to unclutter my life and teach me the wisdom of simply and unconditionally trusting you.
Sunday, March 14 (Fourth Sunday of Lent). Lord, you call me to follow you because you want what is best for me in life. Yet, sometimes I turn away from you and then suffer the consequences of having rejected your life and love. When I choose darkness and death, call me back to your light and life. I ask for forgiveness for the times I have hurt my relationship with you.