A Prayer to Begin my Lenten Journey

Loving Jesus,
As I receive on my forehead the sign
of your saving cross, you say to me,
repent and believe in the Gospel.
Walking into Lent my heart is set on you.
May my fasting fill me with hunger for you,
May my prayer draw me deeper
into your presence.
May my acts of charity bring your love to my home and community.
Lord of life,
grant that by turning back to you
in these 40 days
I will stir up once more the waters of my baptism and re-awaken in me
the joy of my Easter faith;
for you raise me up from fear and despair
and call me to hope and trust in God
who is with me always.
With you, I will rise again.
Amen.