Prayer for the First Week of Lent Devotion

[This prayer is designed to be said within the family before a Crucifix during the first week of Lent.]

Mother or a child:
From the words of St. Paul [2 Cor. 6:1-2].

Dearly beloved, we entreat you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says: "In an acceptable time I have beard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

Father:
This time of fasting has opened to us the gates of paradise. Let us accept it, praying and beseeching.

Family:
That on the day of resurrection we may be glorified in the Lord.

Father:
Let us pray.
Through the observance of Lent, O Lord, You purify Your Church every year. See to it that Your children lead a better life and so obtain the graces they are striving to acquire by doing penance. This we ask of You through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.

Family:
Amen.
Favour this dwelling, Lord, with Your presence. Far from it repulse all the wiles of Satan. Your holy angels, let them live here, to keep us in peace. And may your blessing remain always upon us. This we ask of you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.

Father:
Let us bless the Lord.

Family:
Thanks be to God.

Father:
May the almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless and keep us.

Family:
Amen.