A prayer for Lent

A prayer for Lent based on this past Sunday's Gospel reading (Mark 1:40-45) -- with several other references as well...

Touch Us, Jesus

Jesus, as you feed us

with your Body,

make us one with you.

Heal our weary bodies,

our worried minds,

our wayward souls.

If you wish,

you can restore us,

make us clean.

Stretch out your hand

and touch our

frailty,

hunger,

and poverty.

Stretch out your hand

and touch our

sadness,

anxiety,

and fear.

Stretch out your hand

and cure our

self-indulgence,

disordered desire,

greed,

rage,

envy,

apathy,

and pride.

Through your sacrifice on the cross,

gather together in yourself

all that are lost or separated,

driven by hostility,

or choked by thorns.

Renew our faith, hope, and love.

Inspire in us self-restraint,

courage,

discretion,

and integrity.

Grant us holy wisdom,

understanding,

guidance,

perseverance,

attentiveness,

devotion,

and awe for our Creator.

As you feed us

with your Body,

may your healing touch

produce in and among us:

decency, restraint, and humility;

faithfulness, gentleness, and generosity;

goodness, compassion, and patience;

peace, joy, and love.

A clean heart create for us, O Lord,

and renew within us your steadfast spirit.

Heal our weary bodies,

our worried minds,

our wayward souls.

Touch our stony hearts

and give us hearts

at one with yours.

Amen.