Ash Wednesday Prayer

This prayer is designed to be said within the family before a Crucifix from Ash Wednesday to Saturday at the beginning of Lent.

Mother or a child: From the words of St. John the Evangelist (14:1-6).

Let not your hearts be troubled.
You who believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house there are many mansions.
Were it not so, I would have told you,
because I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I am coming again,
and I will take you to myself,
that where I am, there you also may be.
And where I go, you know, and the way you know.

Father:

We ought to glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus
Christ

Family:

in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection.

Father:

Let us pray.

Grant to your faithful, Lord,
a spirit generous enough to begin these solemn
fasts
with proper fervor and to pursue them with
steadfast devotion.
This we ask of you through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son.

Family:

Amen.

Favor 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.