- Introduction
- Short Lent Prayers
- Lent Bible Verses for Reflection
- Daily Readings for Lent
- Stations of the Cross
- Seven Last Words
- Lent Prayers FAQ
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.
So let’s start there.
Christians: Pray with Hallow this Lent
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.
And longer than normal.
When we’re not at Mass, sometimes we just need short, simple prayers to remain close to God during our busy days.
Lent is no different.
Here are some easy prayers you can say to feel connected to God during Lent this year:
- “God, may Your light guide my day, and your spirit bring me peace. Amen.”
- “God, may my sacrifice of today of (state your Lenten sacrifice) remind me of my dependence on You for all the blessings I enjoy. Amen.”
- ”May I stand in solidarity today with all my brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering. May we be united in your love, and may I work to build your kingdom here on earth.”
- “Heavenly Father, I’m truly sorry for the moments today where I missed the mark. I ask for your forgiveness and the strength to better follow Your call tomorrow. Amen.”
- ”God, I lift up (name of the person you’d like to pray for) today. I ask that you bless them abundantly today and throughout Lent. Amen.”
- “Oh Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything. Amen.”
Hallow offers “Minute Meditations”–short, simple prayers that can help build your Lenten prayer habit in just a few minutes each day.
RELATED: Easter Prayers for 2023
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.”
Job 42: 1-6
“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!”
Isaiah 58: 6-9 “
“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.”
Genesis 3:19
“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.”
James 4: 7-10
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
The Stations of the Cross are a popular devotion during Lent.
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.
What does the Bible say about Lent?
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).
What special prayers or practices are associated with Lent?
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).
What rosary prayers are said during Lent?
The sorrowful mysteries are popular for rosary prayers offered during Lent. The 7 Sorrows Rosary is also common during this time.
How many prayers should I say for eating meat on Fridays during Lent?
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.
How do you pray the Stations of the Cross?
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.
Make your 2023 Lent your best one yet. Pray with Hallow–the leading Catholic prayer app–and find peace this Lent.
FAQs
Lent Prayers for 2023? ›
Stay with me through the busy days this week and remind me that when I need comfort, solitude, wisdom, or guidance, I can always turn to you. Help me develop discipline and generosity through fasting and almsgiving, and come closer to you through prayer this Lent. In your name I pray, Amen.
What is the Catholic Lent prayer for 2023? ›“God, may Your light guide my day, and your spirit bring me peace. Amen.” “God, may my sacrifice of today of (state your Lenten sacrifice) remind me of my dependence on You for all the blessings I enjoy. Amen.”
What is the best prayer for Lent? ›“Lent is the season in which we ought to be surprised by joy. Our self-sacrifices serve no purpose unless, by laying aside this or that desire, we are able to focus on our heart's deepest longing: unity with Christ. In him-- in his suffering and death, his resurrection and triumph, we find our truest joy.”
What is the prayer for the first Sunday of Lent 2023? ›26 February 2023
In peace, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. For faithful hearts that look to the Lord for forgiveness, that when we wander from His Word we would come to Him, confess our sins and be restored, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
The three traditional pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through the three pillars of Lent we journey to develop a closer relationship to God.
What is the powerful prayer for fasting? ›God, You are my God, and I seek You earnestly (Psalm 63:1). I seek You as I undertake this fast. I bow before You and ask You to purge me of all unworthy thoughts, words and deeds. Forgive my sins as I forgive those who have sinned against me.
What scripture should you read during Lent? ›- 1) Matthew 6:16-18 – Keep a Secret.
- 2) 1 Peter 5:6 – Reveal Your Struggle.
- 3) Isaiah 58:6-7 – Take on Something.
- 4) Mark 1:12-13 – Find Your Wilderness.
- 5) Colossians 2:16-17 – Honor Your Choice.
- 6) Daniel 9:3 – Seek Inward Things.
- 7) John 3:16 – Remember His Sacrifice.
Sunday is considered a non-penitential day. Traditionally, most people choose to give up something for Lent as a penance – it could be alcohol, could be chocolate, could be dessert, could be TV, could be whatever it is they like – and they want to do without it as a way to mortify the flesh.”
What Psalm is the prayer for Lent? ›O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, or discipline me in your wrath. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.
What prayer is not said during Lent? ›Because of the penitential character of the season of Lent in the Western church, singing or saying the word "alleluia" has historically been suspended during Lent's forty days.
What Psalms do you pray during Lent? ›
- Psalm 6. Do not reprove me in your anger, Lord, ...
- Psalm 32. Blessed is the one whose fault is removed, ...
- Psalm 38. Lord, do not punish me in your anger; ...
- Psalm 51. Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love; ...
- Psalm 102. Lord, hear my prayer; ...
- Psalm 130. ...
- Psalm 143.
Creator God, during this Holy Week, you invite us into a time of conversion and reflection upon our relationship to others. Our caring for others is a great joy, but also a grave responsibility and there are times when we feel that we shall stumble under its weight.
What is forbidden during Lent? ›During these days, it is not acceptable to eat lamb, chicken, beef, pork, ham, deer and most other meats. However, eggs, milk, fish, grains, and fruits and vegetables are all allowed. There are exceptions. For example, pregnant women, the ill, the elderly and very young are exempt from Lent rules of fasting.
What Psalm is read while fasting? ›Fasting is a way to humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, “I humbled my soul with fasting” (Psalm 69:10). You may find yourself relying on God more fully for strength when you fast.
What scripture to read when fasting? ›Matthew 6:16-18. When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
What should you not do while fasting? ›- #1. DO NOT STOP DRINKING WATER IN YOUR FASTING WINDOW.
- #2. DO NOT JUMP INTO EXTENDED FASTING TOO QUICKLY.
- #3. DO NOT EAT TOO LITTLE DURING YOUR EATING WINDOW.
- #4. DO NOT EAT A HIGH CARBOHYDRATE DIET.
- #5: DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL DURING YOUR FASTING PERIOD.
- Lent. Lent is a season of the Christian liturgical calendar intended for spiritual reflection and preparation. ...
- Fasting. Fasting is the most well-known, and most commonly misunderstood, practice associated with Lent. ...
- Penance. ...
- Ash Wednesday. ...
- Holy Week. ...
- Palm Sunday. ...
- Maundy Thursday. ...
- Good Friday.
The gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are the best books to focus on during Lent because they tell the story of the Jesus — His birth, life, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection.
What are the three pillars of Lent in Bible? ›During this season of Lent, the Church proposes the Three Pillars — namely prayer, fasting, and almsgiving — to help us to live in the freedom of the children of God.
What not to give up for Lent? ›- Give up coffee (or only brew it at home)
- Give up alcohol.
- Give up certain social media sites, or limited them to certain days/time of day.
- Give up electronics after a certain time in the day (i.e., no screens after 8 p.m.)
- Sleep without a pillow.
- Wake up without hitting the snooze button.
What is the number one thing given up for Lent? ›
Most notably is meat, as there is already a Catholic tradition of abstaining from the food on Fridays during Lent. Since the season is also about reflection and self-discipline, some will avoid meat entirely, or give up not-so-great habits like scrolling on Instagram, online shopping and drinking soda.
Why is purple the color of Lent? ›It was used as an act of derision toward Our Lord when Pilate placed a purple robe on Jesus, whom he called “King of the Jews”. Purple thus symbolises pain, suffering, mourning and penitence. The fourth Sunday in Lent is called 'Laetare Sunday'; 'laetare' is Latin for 'rejoice'.
Why not to say hallelujah during Lent? ›In order to emphasize the penitential nature of that journey, the Catholic Church, during Lent, removes the Alleluia from the Mass. We no longer sing with the choirs of angels; instead, we acknowledge our sins and practice repentance so that one day we may again have the privilege of worshiping God as the angels do.
What are the 7 penitential psalms for Lent? ›The Penitential Psalms or Psalms of Confession, so named in Cassiodorus's commentary of the 6th century AD, are the Psalms 6, 31, 37, 50, 101, 129, and 142 (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143 in the Hebrew numbering).
What is the Catholic Lenten morning prayer? ›Dearest Lord, help me to especially see my sin, this Lent. Humble me so that I may see clearly. Give me courage and strength to confess my sins, and to turn from them with all my heart.
What is the prayer of the faithful on Ash Wednesday 2023? ›We pray to the Lord. Let us pray for people who live in agonizing suffering. May the terminally ill, people with undiagnosed pain, and people with emotional suffering, find the courage to live. May we serve them with tenderness and comfort.
What is the daily Lenten prayer? ›Heal me, Lord, and help me to find you in the darkness of my life. Let me reach out in this darkness and feel your hand and love there to guide me.
Which rosary is said during Lent? ›The Sorrowful Mysteries should be prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays. The Luminous Mystery should be prayed on Thursday. With respect to the special liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent, the Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries should be prayed accordingly.
What do Catholics say during Lent? ›During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully.
What is the prayer of the faithful for Lenten season? ›Lord in your mercy
PRIEST: God our Father in every age you call a people to hear your word and to do your will. Open our eyes to your deeds and our ears to the sound of your call so that our every act may increase our sharing in the new life you offer to us. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
What is the Lenten prayer for Ash Wednesday? ›
Lenten Prayer for Ash Wednesday
God of goodness and mercy, Hear my prayer as I begin this Lenten journey with you. Let me be honest with myself as I look into my heart and soul, noticing the times I turn away from you. Guide me as I humbly seek to repent and return to your love.
that the Lord will bring healing to the sick, comfort to the dying, conversion to sinners, and light to those experiencing darkness. PRIEST: God our Father, in charity, fasting and prayer you have shown us a remedy for sin. Listen in love to our prayers and lift up our hearts with the assurance of your mercy.
What is the divine mercy prayer during Lent? ›Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion — inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.
What daily scripture to read during Lent? ›Psalm 130:5-6 - I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning. Ezra 8:23 - So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty. Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.