When Ash Wednesday rolls around each year, it can catch us off guard when it comes to our prayer life.
We know Lent is important and that it helps prepare us for Easter. Most Catholics recognize Lent as a solemn period where we repent.
As such, during Lent, we might feel pressure to “up our game” when it comes to prayer.
The reality is that prayer is important during Lent. Very important. But fasting and almsgiving matter too. So do all the other actions we might take to help us let go of our own desires and align with God’s call for us.
God doesn’t call us to pray *longer* during this time. Or prayer “better”—whatever that means.
A great starting point for drawing closer to God and improving our prayer life during Lent is simply the desire to improve our prayer life during Lent. If you’re reading this, chances are you already have that desire.
Short Lent Prayers
Short Lent prayers are an easy way to go from desiring to pray more during Lent to actually doing so.
After all, Lent includes (and prepares us for) some of the longest liturgies of the year.
Palm Sunday features the first reading of the Passion of Christ before we hear it again on Good Friday. Holy Week also features Holy Thursday and the Easter Vigil, two liturgies that are unique and beautiful.
When we’re not at Mass, sometimes we just need short, simple prayers to remain close to God during our busy days.
Here are some easy prayers you can say to feel connected to God during Lent this year:
Hallow offers “Minute Meditations”–short, simple prayers that can help build your Lenten prayer habit in just a few minutes each day.
Lenten Bible Study: Verses to Reflect on
Just as short prayers can help enrich our faith lives during Lent, Bible passages can also help us reflect on and draw meaning from the season.
And as with short prayers, just because a Bible verse is not long or complex does not mean it lacks substance. Some of the most powerful scriptures or Sermons in the Bible and directly from Jesus are a few simple words such as the 7 last words of Christ. (Link back to #Pray40)
You can also consider these short Bible verses to reflect on this Lent:
“Then Job replied to the Lord: 2 “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. 4 “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ 5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
“Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking off every yoke? 7 Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry, bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own flesh? 8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; Your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: “Here I am!”
“By the sweat of your brow you shall eat bread, Until you return to the ground, from which you were taken; For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
“So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds. 9 Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.”
Daily Readings for Lent
Like all daily readings at Mass, Bible passages for the season of Lent revolve around a calendar cycle.
Sunday readings are on a three-year rotation of readings identified by the letters A, B, and C. In 2023, the Church follows Year A readings, which highlight the Gospel of Luke.
Daily Mass readings—that form the basis of the Liturgy of the Word for weekday Masses—operate on a two-year cycle. In 2023, the Church will use readings from Cycle I for weekday liturgies.
The USCCB is a helpful resource for all daily Mass readings from the Bible, and the same is true during Lent.
The Hallow app also offers daily Mass readings, morning prayers, daily reflections and more each day. Listen to and reflect on each reading right from your phone.
Praying the Stations of the Cross
Known as Via Crucis in Latin, this form of prayer commemorates the journey Jesus made to Calvary, and the various steps he made in that journey. Fourteen “stations” are featured in total.
Each station usually begins with a verse by someone leading the prayer. The group responds in unison. Short words of meditation then lead into a shared prayer, recited by all.
Those gathered process around the church, stopping at the artwork depicting each step in Jesus’ path to the cross.
Stations of the Cross have a rich history within the Church. In modern times, Stations of the Cross often take place on Friday evenings during Lent.
Many churches will hold a special service for the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.
7 Last Words
The seven last words, or sayings, of Jesus refer to the final phrases he gave us before he handed over his spirit on the cross.
Lent is a popular time to reflect on these words. Hallow will have plenty of prayer resources devoted to helping you spend time with Jesus’ final words.
Lent Prayers FAQ
Let Hallow guide you through common questions or misconceptions about Lent prayers so you can have no doubts about getting started in deepening your prayer life.
Lent is rooted in Jesus’ time in the desert when he prayed and fasted for 40 days and overcame the Devil’s temptation. The Bible does not specifically mention Lent. However, it’s worth remembering the importance of Scripture and tradition in the Church. The early church existed for decades before the first written Gospel (Mark).
There are not many (if any!) prayers that are entirely reserved just for Lent. Liturgical practices have more obvious changes. For example, the Gloria is omitted from Mass, as is the Alleluia before the Gospel. Prayers like the Hail Mary and Our Father are always acceptable during Lent (and outside of it).
The sorrowful mysteries are popular for rosary prayers offered during Lent. The 7 Sorrows Rosary is also common during this time.
There’s no set number of prayers or even how you should pray. Ask for God’s forgiveness and in addition to abstaining from meat on Fridays. And what to give up for Lent is a personal choice. In addition, you can also add to others in the spirit of almsgiving by volunteering, helping a charity, or simply doing a chore for a loved one.
The Stations of the Cross are most commonly prayed at church or an outdoor shrine. You can also use the Hallow app and pray the Stations of the Cross at home.
Prayers For Lent 2023
Lent is a time of reflection and renewed faith as we focus on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Use these Lent prayers as you take time to sacrifice in order to clear distractions and recommit your life to Jesus.
So where does Lent come from, and how do we “do” Lent? The Lenten season developed as part of the historical Christian calendar and is typically celebrated by Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and some mainline Protestant churches that follow a liturgical calendar. Although its format has varied throughout the centuries and throughout different cultures, the basic concept remains the same: to open our hearts to God’s refining grace through prayer, confession, fasting, and almsgiving as we anticipate Holy Week. Lent traditionally lasts forty days, modeled after Christ’s forty-day fast in the desert, and ends on Good Friday. In the Western Church, Lent officially begins with a reminder of our mortality on Ash Wednesday.
Prayer is an important part of Lent as it is the main source of communication to God. As you meditate on the sacrifice of Jesus, these prayers for lent will help you verbalize your faith!
Download your FREE copy of our 40 Day Lent and Easter Devotional – filled with daily Scriptures, reflections, and prayers for the Lent season.
Praying and Fasting for Lent
The Biblical practice of fasting can be found in both the Old Testament and the New, with Moses (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9-18), Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), and our Lord (Matthew 4:2) all participating in 40-day fasts. Fasting is a way of denying ourselves the excesses and distractions of life so that we might be more aware of the Lord’s voice. It is also a way of disciplining yourself, strengthening your “spiritual muscles” so to speak so that when temptations arise in life, you are already used to saying “no” to your desires. And finally, fasting is also a way of participating, in a small way, in the sufferings of Christ and can be particularly powerful when accompanied by prayer and confession.
10 Prayers for 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.
Source: Alfred the Great, 9th century
2. Protect from Any Temptation
O Christ, Son of God, for our sake you fasted forty days and allowed yourself to be tempted. Protect us so that we may not be led astray by any temptation. Since man does not live by bread alone, nourish our souls with the heavenly food of your Word; through your mercy, O our God, you are blessed and live and govern all things, now and forever. Amen.
Source: Freely modified from Mozarabic Collects
3. Lent Prayer for Strength and Protection
Lord God, heavenly Father, you know that we are set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant us such strength and protection, to support us in all danger, and carry us through all temptations; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Martin Luther, the German Litany
4. Lent Prayer for God to bring beauty from ashes:
In this season of Lent, we’re reminded of our own difficulties and struggles. Sometimes the way has seemed too dark. Sometimes we feel like our lives have been marked by such grief and pain, we don’t see how our circumstances can ever change. But in the midst of our weakness, we ask that you would be strong on our behalf. Lord, rise up within us, let your Spirit shine out of every broken place we’ve walked through. Allow your power to be manifest through our own weakness, so that others will recognize it is You who is at work on our behalf. We ask that you would trade the ashes of our lives for the beauty of your Presence. Trade our mourning and grief for the oil of joy and gladness from your Spirit. Trade our despair for hope and praise. We choose to give you thanks today and believe that this season of darkness will fade away. Thank you that you are with us in whatever we face and that you are greater than this trial. We know and recognize that you are Sovereign, we thank you for the victory that is ours because of Christ Jesus, and we are confident that you have good still in store for our future. We thank you that you are at work right now, trading our ashes for greater beauty. We praise you, for you make all things new. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
5. Lead Us to Love You Sincerely
O Lord Jesus Christ, by your almighty power you opened the eyes of the blind, and showed yourself to them. Turn our eyes away from worthless things, and lead us to love you sincerely; through your mercy,
O our God, you are blessed, and live and govern all things, now and forever. Amen.
Source: Freely modified from Mozarabic Collects
6. Lent Prayer for a Clean Heart
Create a clean heart in me, O God: a humble heart, a meek heart, a peaceful heart, a benevolent heart, a devout heart which does evil to no one, which does not repay evil for evil, but overcomes evil with good, which loves you above all things, thinks always about you, speaks about you, gives you thanks, delights in hymns and spiritual songs, and has its citizenship in heaven. Amen.
Source: Girolamo Savonarola
7. Defend Us from All Enemies
O Lord, mercifully hear our prayer and stretch forth the right hand of your majesty to defend us from all enemies that rise up against us; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Source: Gregorian Sacramentary, 8th Century, Historic Collect for the First Sunday in Lent
8. Lent Prayer for Strength
O God, you see that we have no strength in ourselves. Keep us both outwardly and inwardly. Defend us from all adversities which hurt the body, and cleanse us from all evil thoughts which afflict the mind; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Source: Gregorian Sacramentary, 8th Century, Historic Collect for the Second Sunday in Lent
9. Lent Prayer for Defense
Almighty God, look on the humble desires of your servants. Stretch forth the right hand of your majesty and be our sure defense; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The Journey Through Lent
If you use this resource and would like to help with the cost of its continuing development, then donations are always welcome!
Prayers for the journey through Lent to Easter
“A Celtic Lenten Journey 1- Harp, Voice and Violin” from the Avila Carmelite Centre, Donnybrook, Dublin. (by Vox Hiberniae)
“A Celtic Lenten Journey 2” – Subtitles are available, click the [CC] box onscreen
Prayers for Lent
Also check out [Easter Prayers][Ash Wednesday Liturgy] [Maundy Thursday][Lent intercessions] [Liturgy for Lent 1] [Lent 2] [Lent 3] [Lent 4] [Lent 5] [Palm Sunday] [Easter Day] and A prayer labyrinth designed by Jane Jones, and offered as an activity for the season
Your Word reveals to us a simple truth, that sin entered this world through human folly in believing we could be like you, and permeated history through envy, selfishness and greed. Yet sin, which holds us tight within its grasp cannot resist a heart that is touched by your grace through Jesus Christ, cannot contend with Living Water pouring into hearts and souls. Your Word reveals to us a simple truth, that sin is defeated and we can become the people we were always meant to be, by your grace through Jesus Christ.
Your love, which breathed this world into being, established a covenant people, brought them out of captivity and into a promised land. Hallelujah! Your love, which from the moment of our birth has known and called us by name from out of this world’s slavery into the kingdom of God. Hallelujah! Your love, poured into the heart of Jesus who endured the nails of our sin, defeated death to rise again and causes our hearts to sing Hallelujah!
Sovereign Lord, your hand has touched the dry bones of our faith, your Word has breathed new life where there was death, your spirit raised us up from where we lay, your love has brought us home and to your Cross, and by your grace we stand forgiven, free. Hallelujah!
Remind us often Lord, when we are feeling proud, arrogant, beyond reproach, pleased with ourselves, self sufficient in our ways, that for such as us and better and worse you walked a road that took you to a cruel cross, and rose again to show us where we might look for rescue as from this lofty perch we fall.
Inscribed upon our heart, the maker’s mark, indelible, the Word of God, ‘Love’ beautifully written, heartfelt, that all God’s people might know that we are precious, children of a heavenly Father becoming family together, and may eyes lift upward as we listen together to hear angels worship.
Jesus, Lamb of God, when you walked this earth you did not consider heavenly equality, though that was yours to choose, but took the role of servant, and in humility and obedience allowed the rough nails of our sin to be hammered into your flesh for the sake of our salvation. And so it is that we acknowledge you as Lord of all, to the glory of God the Father, Son and Spirit, Three.
Forgive those things we have done which have caused you sadness, and those things we should have done that would have brought you joy. In both we have failed ourselves, and you. Bring us back to that place where our journey began, when we said that we would follow the way that you first trod. Lead us to the Cross and meet us there.
You chose a people for your own, to lavish love upon, raise up prophets, priests and kings, to be the nation through which the Messiah would be revealed to the world, and through whom your kingdom would come. You chose this people gathered here to be your children, loved and blessed, forgiven through the one who knew no sin, the King of Glory whose crown was made of thorns, and whose name we raise in worship.
Come, all who are thirsty says Jesus, our Lord, come, all who are weak, taste the living water that I shall give. Dip your hands in the stream, refresh body and soul, drink from it, depend on it, for this water will never run dry. Come, all who are thirsty says Jesus, our Lord.
God is our refuge in times of trouble, keeping our feet steady upon the road, watching over us and keeping us from harm. L: Where does our help come from? ALL: Our help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth! God is our fortress in times of distress, circling us in the safety of his arms, granting peace when our lives are not at ease. L: Where does our help come from? ALL: Our help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth! God is our Father who knows us so well, wanting only the best for his children, willing always to forgive and forget. L: Where does our help come from? ALL: Our help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth!
Forty days alone, a wilderness of thoughts, tempting and inviting thoughts, which could so easily have distracted you from your task, your mission, your vision. Yet you emerged, stronger and more attuned to all that had to be done, despite a time constraint that to our eyes would have seemed hopeless. We too live in stressful times. Demands are made of our time, that leave so little for the important things of life. We are easily distracted in the wilderness of our lives, by every call to go this way or that, to turn stone to bread leap from mountains, and do all that would keep us from the truth. We listen to the voices of this world, and ignore the one who endured all this and so much more, and emerged triumphant, that we might not have to suffer so. Forgive us, Father, when we get distracted from our task. Forgive us those times when we try to be all things to all men, and fail to be anything to anyone
You were a man of suffering acquainted with grief, loved and despised in equal measure. You understand humanity, know our failings, love us despite the people that we are. When we, like Peter, deny you by word or action, forgive us. When we, like Judas, are tempted to follow a different path, forgive us. When we, like those in the crowd allow you to be crucified, forgive us. Bring us to the foot of the Cross to stand next to the one who, looking into your eyes declared ‘Surely this is the Son of God’
This is love. Not that you spoke words of comfort, walked with the unclean and unloved, shared wisdom, bread and fish, brought healing into lives and challenged the status quo. This is love. That you spoke the word of God, walked a painful road to the Cross, shared living water, bread of life, brought Salvation to the world and died for the sake of all. This is love. It is a seed sown in the ground, which germinates, blossoms, and spreads its sweet perfume.
It is customary, Lord to give something up during the season of Lent. What would you have me do without? I who have so much. Chocolate? Cream cakes? Cigarettes? Sweets? Swearing? The list is endless and I could give up all those things for the span of 40 days quite easily and almost painlessly. But what difference would it make other than making me feel ‘holier’ that my friend who makes no such sacrifice?
What would you have me do without? I who have so much Selfishness? Conceit? Envy? Pride? I fear before I ask, that the answer might be ‘yes’ and the giving up would be all too real, Lord. It would be difficult, painful, sacrificial, a real cross to carry for 40 days, and more?
Loving Father, all the fancy words in the world, expressed in eloquent prose, decorated with emotion, spoken with conviction, cannot compete with a heartfelt ‘sorry’ when all other words fail. There are times when we are all too aware of our limitations, conscious of sin, and the distance it creates between us. Sometimes ‘sorry’ is all the heart can bear to say aloud.
It is only you who can read and understand the language of our hearts, only you who can translate our ‘sorry’ into the prayer we would have prayed, if we had the words within us. Then you forgive, and having forgiven surround us in an embrace of love, drawing us close to your heart, as it was always meant to be. Thank you, Loving Father, that you listen to hearts, as well as voices Thank you.
Your forgiveness is total, no notebook, tape recorder, or post-it note to remind you of that moment when.…….. You take our confession, offered with hands outstretched, and gently, like the loving heavenly Father that you are, put it to one side to be forgotten. No grudges, no itching for judgement, no resentment or ill-will. Not like us who find it easy to say sorry, but so hard to forgive absolutely. Forgive us, Father, that we are often more willing to accept forgiveness, than to forgive, more willing to accept your love, than to share it with those who have hurt us. Teach us to forgive, as you forgive
I prayed “Please Lord, my life is a mess, let your love flow through me and bring healing.” And like a river cool refreshing water you flowed through me. Not as a gentle stream, a rivulet of hope, but a torrent, sweeping debris away. All those broken branches, rust-encrusted items, and accumulated debris, which were holding back the flow swept aside in a torrent of love, flooding through my veins, pouring into my heart, filling my life. This is healing. Thank you, Lord
Lord, we would grow with you New shoots reaching out Hands stretched upward Like leaves newly formed Soaking up your light and warmth Lord, we would grow with you
Lord, we would grow with you In sunshine and rain In darkness and light In cold days and summer days From Springtime to Winter Lord, we would grow with you
Lord, we would grow with you And bring forth fruit That is pleasing to you Fed by your living water Giving sustainance to others Lord, we would grow with you
Lord, grant us simplicity of faith and a generosity of service that gives without counting cost. A life overflowing with Grace poured out from the One who gave everything, that we might show the power of love to a broken world, and share the truth from a living Word. Lord, grant us simplicity of faith, and a yearning to share it
Prayers for Lent from Other Sources
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despondency, lust of power, and idle talk; But grant rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions, and not to judge my brother; for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The Prayer of Saint Ephrem the Syrian
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
Stretching out Thy divine hands upon the Cross, Thou hast joined together that which before was divided, and by Thy mediation Thou hast offered as a gift to the Father the nature of mortal man, that was under condemnation. Therefore we sing the praises of Thy sinless Crucifixion.
Father in Heaven, the light of your truth bestows sight to the darkness of sinful eyes. May this season of repentance bring us the blessing of Your forgiveness and the gift of Your light. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
International Committee on English in the Liturgy (ICEL)
O Lord, who hast mercy upon all, take away from me my sins, and mercifully kindle in me the fire of thy Holy Spirit. Take away from me the heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh, a heart to love and adore Thee, a heart to delight in Thee, to follow and enjoy Thee, for Christ’s sake, Amen