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7 Prayers to start off Lent on the right foot

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Philip Kosloski - published on 03/09/25
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Enter into the holy season of Lent with these prayers from the Roman Missal, asking God for courage to move forward on this pilgrim journey.

Lenten Campaign 2025

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Sometimes it can be difficult for us to enter into the spirit of Lent and focus our attention on the road before us.

It's also not easy when we are surrounded by Easter or St. Patrick's Day decorations, which can take us out of the penitential character of Lent.

The Church, in her wisdom, has provided a number of unique prayers at the beginning of Lent that can help us enter into the season.

These prayers can be prayed for a series of seven days, letting the poetry of the words sink into our hearts, meditating on the deeper spiritual truths they convey.

Another option is to simply choose one of these prayers that speaks to your heart and to pray it on a daily basis.

7 Prayers for Lent

1Battle against evil

Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service,
so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

2All our actions

Prompt our actions with your inspiration, we pray, O Lord, and further them with your constant help,
that all we do may always begin from you
and by you be brought to completion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

3Persevere in penance

Show gracious favor, O Lord, we pray,
to the works of penance we have begun,
that we may have strength to accomplish with sincerity
the bodily observances we undertake.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

4Compassion with weakness

Almighty ever-living God,
look with compassion on our weakness
and ensure us your protection
by stretching forth the right hand of your majesty.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

5Riches in Christ

Grant, almighty God,
through the yearly observances of holy Lent,
that we may grow in understanding
of the riches hidden in Christ
and by worthy conduct pursue their effects.
Through our lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

6Conversion

Convert us, O God our Savior,
and instruct our minds by heavenly teaching,
that we may benefit from the works of Lent.
Through our lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

7In God's presence

Look upon your family, Lord,
that, through the chastening effects of bodily discipline,
our minds may be radiant in your presence
with the strength of our yearning for you.
Through our lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

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