Lenten Prayer

O Lord, this holy season of Lent is passing quickly.
I entered into it with fear,
but also with great expectations.
I hoped for a great breakthrough,
a powerful conversion, a real change of heart;
I wanted Easter to be a day so full of light
that not even a trace of darkness would be left in my soul.
But I know that you do not come to your people
with thunder and lightening.
Even St. Paul and St. Francis
journeyed through much darkness
before they could see your light.
Let me be thankful for your gentle way.
I know you are at work.
I know you will not leave me alone.
I know you are quickening me for Easter-
but in a way fitting my own history
and my own temperament.

I pray that these last three weeks,
in which you invite me to enter more fully
into the mystery of your passion,
will bring me a greater desire to follow you
on the way that you create for me
and to accept the cross that you give to me.
Let me die to the desire
to choose my own way and select my own cross.

You do not want to make me a hero
but a servant who loves you.

Be with me tomorrow and in the days to come,
and let me experience your gentle presence.
Amen.

From Show Me the Way, Readings for Each Day of Lent
Henri J.M. Nouwen