As we stand on the threshold of the desert for the next 40 days, let us enter the experience in the hope that it will enable us to return to God with all that we have in our hearts to pray, fast and be generous in our reconciliation.

We pray:

• That Lent provides us with the opportunity to once again, choose life. Happy are they who hope in the Lord. 
• That Lent, a time of prayer and fasting, includes fasting from worries and instead trusting in God; fasting from complaints and instead contemplating  simplicity; fasting from anger so as to be filled with patience; fasting from pressures by turning to prayer.
• That we remember the importance of forgiveness. Jesus assures us that relationship with God is enhanced by being in right relationship with others. 

As Lent progresses, we take the time to listen more deeply to God’s word and face the truth of our identity and our relationship with God. May the grace and love of God keep us strong.