Reviewing our Life

I think that one of the greatest spiritual practices that we can do is to do a daily examination of our conscience. As I mention in the homily just take 3-5 minutes a day in doing it, and you will see great results!!!

Praying for Pope Benedict XVI

Battling against Spiritual Evils

As I was looking at the prayers for Ash Wednesday I was amazed at how beautiful they are. For example take a look at part of the opening prayer:

OPENING PRAYER

Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting
this campaign of Christian service,
so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils,
we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint.

In the opening prayer it states that we are going to battle against spiritual evils and that we are called to be armed with weapons of self-restraint. Seriously, how awesome is this prayer. I hope that during this season of Lent that you will take more time for prayer. If you find it difficult to know what to pray with you can always look at the readings for the day, or you can look up the prayers for the day. Here below are the Mass prayers for today, I hope that you can bring them with you to prayer and be better prepared to take up your battle against spiritual evils.

 

OPENING PRAYER

Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting
this campaign of Christian service,
so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils,
we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS

As we solemnly offer
the annual sacrifice for the beginning of Lent,
we entreat you, O Lord,
that, through works of penance and charity,
we may turn away from harmful pleasures
and, cleansed from our sins, may become worthy
to celebrate devoutly the Passion of your Son.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

May the Sacrament we have received sustain us, O Lord,
that our Lenten fast may be pleasing to you
and be for us a healing remedy.
Through Christ our Lord.