Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18) on this Ash Wednesday as we begin this Year’s Lenten Season:

Lord Jesus, You call us to pray, to fast, and to give alms, not to be seen, not to be praised, but to return to the Father who sees in secret. Purify our intentions Lord and strip away every desire for recognition, every hidden pride in our sacrifices, every temptation to perform holiness instead of living it.

As ashes are placed upon our foreheads, we remember that we are dust and that without You we can do nothing. Humble our hearts, O Lord and let this Lent not be a season of appearances, but of authentic conversion.

Lord Jesus, teach us to pray with silence and sincerity. Teach us to fast not only from food, but from sin, resentment, distraction, and selfishness. Teach us to give alms not only from our abundance, but from our love.

Lord, You who see in secret, look upon our weakness with mercy. Strengthen our resolve to walk these forty days with faithfulness and trust. May this journey purify our hearts, renew our baptismal grace, and draw us closer to the mystery of the Cross and the joy of the Resurrection.

Accompany us, Lord, in the desert and sustain us when we grow weary. And bring us, transformed and reconciled, to the glory of Easter. Amen