Lord, I’m longing for the spring to come
with its promise of light and new life…
The first day of spring is still a month away
but come Wednesday, February 22,
a springtime of grace will begin
with purple, prayer and ashes
inviting me to new life in you…
Lent is spring time
for my mind, heart and soul:
time to strengthen what’s now weak,
to remember what I’ve forgotten,
to let go what I don’t need
and to find what I need the most…
Lent’s a new beginning:
a time for taking stock,
to look within,
to be honest about my failings,
a time to ask your pardon
and to make up for my sins,
to set things right with you
and with anyone I have hurt
with its promise of light and new life…
The first day of spring is still a month away
but come Wednesday, February 22,
a springtime of grace will begin
with purple, prayer and ashes
inviting me to new life in you…
Lent is spring time
for my mind, heart and soul:
time to strengthen what’s now weak,
to remember what I’ve forgotten,
to let go what I don’t need
and to find what I need the most…
Lent’s a new beginning:
a time for taking stock,
to look within,
to be honest about my failings,
a time to ask your pardon
and to make up for my sins,
to set things right with you
and with anyone I have hurt
or have offended…
Lent’s a season of your grace, Lord:
a time to speak to you in prayer,
to listen for your voice,
to study your good Word,
to seek your truth and wisdom
to live as you command…
Lent’s a time of mercy:
a time for me to give more freely
of all I have to give;
to give more generously
of the bounty that is mine;
a time for me to tend my neighbor’s needs,
to reach out to the poor,
to empty out myself
and not stop to count the cost…
Lord, I’m longing for the spring to come
with its promise of light and new life:
help me begin, now,
Lent’s a season of your grace, Lord:
a time to speak to you in prayer,
to listen for your voice,
to study your good Word,
to seek your truth and wisdom
to live as you command…
Lent’s a time of mercy:
a time for me to give more freely
of all I have to give;
to give more generously
of the bounty that is mine;
a time for me to tend my neighbor’s needs,
to reach out to the poor,
to empty out myself
and not stop to count the cost…
Lord, I’m longing for the spring to come
with its promise of light and new life:
help me begin, now,
to turn my heart to you
and prepare for Lent,
for this springtime of your grace
in my mind, my heart and soul…
and prepare for Lent,
for this springtime of your grace
in my mind, my heart and soul…
Protect me, Lord, while I’m awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
Take, Lord, Receive by John Foley, SJ
Take, Lord, receive, all my liberty.
My memory, understanding, my entire will!
Give me only your love and your Grace,
that’s enough for me!
Your love and your grace are enough for me!
Take Lord, receive,
All I have and possess.
You have given all to me,
Now I return it.
Take Lord receive, all is yours now.
Dispose of it, wholly according to your will.
