A Prayer for Lent

Father, as Lent begins, I come to You honestly.

I have filled my days with noise and my hands with hurry. These forty days, help me put some things down so I can pick up what matters.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Show me what I have been avoiding — the grudge I've kept, the habit I've excused, the prayer I've postponed. I don't want to hide from You anymore.

Whatever I give up this season, let it leave a space that You fill. When the fast feels hard, remind me why I started: not to prove anything, but to walk closer to Jesus on the long road that leads to the cross.

Teach me to travel light, Lord — more prayer, less worry; more mercy, less judgment; more of You, less of me.

And when Easter morning comes, let it find me changed — not perfect, but nearer to You than I was.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

When to Pray This

Pray this on Ash Wednesday to begin the season, and return to it any day of Lent when your resolve wears thin. It also works well before a weekly time of quiet or fasting.

A Verse to Hold On To

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." — Psalm 51:10 (KJV)