Simply Living Lent - III

Purple Abstract by Saed Nasser of the studio Creativity Explored, a nonprofit visual arts center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art.

Simply Living Lent – Week Three
Each Saturday in Lent you will find here, for the coming week, a prayer for Morning and Night and reminders for fasting and caring for the poor. (Click here for Week One, here for Week Two)

MORNING PRAYER
Dear God,
Sometimes I forget that the people along my path
are as fragile as I can sometimes be.
If I look to my past I remember those who have been hurt or saddened
by my haste, my selfishness, my carelessness.
More often than not, I hadn’t intended any harm
but my neglect and self-interest have bruised and burdened others.
If there are ways for me to make amends here, Lord, show me how
and give me the courage to do what I need to do…
If the time or circumstances for making peace have passed by,
hear my prayer for those whom I have hurt…
Open my eyes and ears, my mind and heart to those around me now
and make me more aware of their presence
and how my life touches theirs.
Nudge me to take the first step towards making peace
in my family, my neighborhood, at work and at school.
Give me a sensitive and forgiving heart.
Help me remember how much and how often,
how fully and how freely you forgive me.
And I have a special favor to ask of you, Lord, here it is…
And allow me to remind you of some folks I know who need your help,
and whose names I lift up to you now…
Lord, in your love and mercy, hear my prayer.

Our Father…

NIGHT PRAYER
As you have been with me all this day, Lord, be with me this night
and be the light that shines through the darkness of my worry and fear.
Guard your children everywhere, Lord,
and send your holy angels to protect us.
Be with those who serve and protect us at home and abroad.
Shelter the poor, the innocent
and those who have been abused in any way.
Give me good sleep, Lord, in the strong arms of your mercy.
Grant me good rest that I might serve you well when I awake.

Hail Mary…

Fasting
•This week, the particular food or beverage I will give up is...
•This week, the particular activity or pleasure I will give up is...
•This week, the old, bad habit I’ll work on is...

Caring for the Poor•This week I’m donating groceries to the local food pantry 1
•This week I’m shopping for my gift for the Easter Giving Tree 1
•This week, I’m making a contribution
to my Lenten offering box or my favorite charity 1
•This week... 1

-ConcordPastor

You might print this post and place it where it will be at hand.
Adapt the options for Caring for the Poor
to your particular circumstances.