Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart,
with fasting, and weeping, and mourning;
Rend your hearts, not your garments,
and return to the LORD, your God.
Most loving and gracious God, as we enter into the season of Lent today we ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be with us.
Help us to examine our consciences, to look at our actions and inactions, and to look at those parts of our lives that serve only as a distraction from the goodness that you long to give us.
Through our acts of charity, prayer, almsgiving, and fasting — may we better realize the things that are true, lasting, and give us fullness of life.
We ask this for the glory of your name and the healing of the world until you come again.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.