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A Prayer for Lent

Today marks the beginning of Lent, a season of repentance, self reflection, and contemplation of the Cross of Christ. Traditionally this is a period marked by fasting, prayer, and confession of sins. I encourage everyone to use this time to think about the gravity of sin and our utter need for the grace of God.

I want to share an ancient prayer of Alfred the Great, a king of England from the 800s. I hope it encourages you during this time of Lent.

"Lord God Almighty, shaper and ruler of all creatures,

we pray for your great mercy, that you guide us towards you,

for we cannot find our way.

And guide us to your will, to the need of our soul, 

for we cannot do it ourselves.

And make our mind steadfast in your will and aware of our soul's need.

Strengthen us against the temptations of the devil,

and remove from us all lust and every unrighteousness,

and shield us against our foes, seen and unseen.

Teach us to do your will,

that we may inwardly love you before all things with a pure mind.

For you are our maker and our redeemer, our help, our comfort, our trust, our hope;

praise and glory be to you now and forever."

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