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This prayer is designed to be said within the family before a Crucifix during the first week of Lent.

Mother or a child: From the words of St. Paul (2 Cor. 6:1-2).

Dearly beloved, we entreat you not to receive the grace of God
in vain. For he says: In an acceptable time I have beard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Father: This time of fasting has opened to us the gates of paradise. Let us accept it, praying and beseeching

Family: That on the day of resurrection we may be glorified in the Lord.

Father: Let us pray. Through the observance of Lent, O Lord, you purify your Church every year. See to it that your children lead a better life and so obtain the graces they are striving to acquire by doing penance. This we ask of you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.

Family: Amen. Favor this dwelling, Lord, with your presence. Far from it repulse all the wiles of Satan. Your holy angels — let them live here, to keep us in peace. And may your blessing remain always upon us. This we ask of you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.

Father: Let us bless the Lord.

Family: Thanks be to God.

Father: May the almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless and keep us.

Family: Amen.

Prayer Source: Holy Lent by Eileen O'Callaghan, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota, 1975

Lenten Question
Q: Is there a biblical basis for abstaining from meat as a sign of repentance?
A: Yes. The book of Daniel states: "In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia . . . 'I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.'" (Daniel 10:1-3)