A beautiful poem by Maria Iskander that captures the essence of the Lenten Preparation week.
WEEK 1: Pre-lent (Matthew 6: 1 – 18)
Dear Heavenly Father, please teach me to do charitable deeds,
In secret, in humility, in faithfulness, in cheerfulness and quietly.
All I want is to love You Lord, and do good to follow Your example, while in this world.
Your unconditional love, service and forgiveness, overwhelms me and heals my hurt.
You my God, I adore, and You alone I seek to please.
Let the glory be always unto You and not unto me.
I don’t want to fall into the sin to be like the hypocrites.
Who pray and do well, for not You, but only people’s credit.
Lord please take my heart at ease, I desire to talk everyday with You,
In my heart and soul, I seek You and find comfort from You, in the quiet place of my room.
It is amazing to me, how You always know what I am going to say and need,
Even before I give you my expression of thanks, apologies and pleas.
My God, please help me to fast with joy – not insincerity or pride.
Teach me to pray with an open and fiery zeal, not an empty soul and mind.
May I learn to forgive others’ sins, as You have always forgiven mine.
I desire to be with You, and Your Kingdom to come, when it comes my time.