Lent is the season when Christians focus on their humanity as they prepare for Easter. The following prayers — prayer for resisting temptation, blessing for Lent, prayer for penance, and thanksgiving for God's present — invite God to journey with the Christian this Lent, and always.
Prayer for Resisting Temptation
Lent is the time when many Christians focus on overcoming temptations. The temptation may be the chocolate one has vowed to give up for Lent, or simply a behavior pattern that is unhealthy. Whatever the temptation, the following prayer invites God into it:
“God of power, help me as I resist [insert temptation to be avoided, such as a cigarette when one has given them up for Lent]. Remind me that I gave this up not for me, but out of glory to You. Be with me in this and all temptations, as You were with Jesus in the desert. Amen.”
For a specific craving, repeating the following bullet prayer might help overcome the craving:
“God, be present here, now. Let Your love quench my desire. Amen.”
Blessing for Lent
Lent can be seen as a dark and difficult time in the Christian journey as people focus on giving up something. The following blessing reminds the Christian that there is still light and hope during Lent, and at any time, with God's love and faithfulness:
“God of love, as You guided Your son Jesus in the desert, guide me through Lent. Let me find you in [insert specific Lenten discipline or activities such as a Bible study, worship service, or fasting], and be with me through temptations, trials, and all troubles of this life. Be present and patient with me, God, and let me share that compassion with others, this Lent and always. Amen.”
This blessing might be offered for an individual struggling with something this Lent or for a group seeking to draw nearer to God through a common practice such as Bible study or special prayer support.
Prayer for Penance
Penance is the Christian desire to humble the self before God and remember one's need to rely on God for strength. Lent is traditionally a season of penance, as believers focus on why they need Jesus in their lives. The following prayer asks God to increase personal humility, that one may draw closer to God this Lent:
“God of grace, be with me as I open my heart to You. Help me offer my shortcomings, but protect me from being too hard on myself. Let me see myself as You see me, though eyes of complete love. Amen.”
This or another prayer of penance may be particularly helpful during a time when a religious individual is too hard on himself/herself. Some find it helpful to remember the Christian belief that no one is perfect, but everyone is loved by God.
Thanksgiving for God’s Presence
Despite all the hard work and penance of Lent, remembering God's presence and goodness continues to be important. The following thanksgiving rejoices in God's faithfulness during Lent and asks God to continue to be present in the believers' life:
“God of power, thank you for being with me this Lent and always as I journey through life with You. I rejoice in the times when I can focus clearly upon You, especially during [insert specific Lenten discipline or other time the individual desires to be closer to God]. Continue to lead and guide me, now and always. Amen.”
Lent is a time when Christians traditionally rely upon religion more heavily as they reflect on the meaning and purpose of Jesus' death and resurrection – the key elements of the Easter observance. With prayer, a Christian connects more deeply with God on his or her journey through Lent, and always.
For more about Lenten disciplines, What to Give Up for Lent: How to Choose a Lenten Discipline may be of interest.
Melissa Roberts - A trained hospital chaplain, Melissa is a freelance writer, teacher, retreat leader, and spiritual director.
