Prayers and Hymns in Preparation for Great Lent
Lenten Hymn to the Word
O Word, supreme in love, Who with the Father and the Spirit hast created all things visible and invisible in Thy wisdom past speech, grant in Thy compassion that we may spend the season of the joyful Fast in profound peace. Destroy the beguilement of bitter sin, granting us contrition, tears of healing and forgiveness of our trespasses, that fasting with a fervent spirit and undoubting soul, we may join the angels to sing the praises of Thy power.
Eastern Fasting Advice
This should be the manner of our fasting;
not in hatred and contention, not in envy and strife, not in self-glory and with hidden deceit, but like Christ in humble-mindedness.
Saint Joseph the Studite
Lenten Prayer to Christ
Stretching out Thy divine hands upon the Cross, Thou hast joined together that which before was divided, and by Thy mediation Thou hast offered as a gift to the Father the nature of mortal man, that was under condemnation. Therefore we sing the praises of Thy sinless Crucifixion.
Saint Joseph the Studite
Eastern Lenten Prayer
If thou dost fast from food, O my soul, yet dost not cleanse thyself from passions, thou dost rejoice in vain over thy abstinence. For if thy purpose is not turned towards amendment of life, as a liar thou art hateful in God's sight, and thou doest resemble the evil demons who never eat at all. Do not by sinning make the fast worthless, but firmly resist all wicked impulses. Picture to thyself that thou art standing beside the crucified Saviour, or rather, that thou art thyself crucified with Him Who was crucified for thee; and cry out to Him: "Remember me, O Lord, when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom."
Links And About
The Litany of the Precious Blood of Jesus
The Great Litany (Anglican Use)
Seven Penitential Psalms (in English)
Seven Penitential Psalms (in Latin)
Updated 02-15-2017