Lent

We are now in the season of Lent, the forty days (not counting Sundays) before Easter. During Lent we prepare our hearts for Easter by self-examination, repentance, and confession of sins. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and continues through Holy Saturday. The liturgical color for Lent is purple, as it is for all penitential seasons.

Collect for Ash Wednesday (to be repeated throughout Lent)

Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Collect for the Second Sunday in Lent

Almighty God, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves; Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Collect for Palm Sunday

Almighty and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, has sent thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.