Priest:
Brothers and sisters, as we begin the holy season of Lent and hear the call to return to the Lord with all our heart, let us place our prayers before God with humility and trust.

For the Church throughout the world:
that she may faithfully proclaim the call to repentance, and lead all people to renewal of life through prayer, fasting, and charity.
Lord, hear us.

For the shepherds of the Church — the Pope, bishops, and priests:
that they may preach conversion with clarity, and live it with integrity before the people they serve.
Lord, hear us.

For our world, wounded by sin and division:
that hearts hardened by pride, violence, and injustice may be turned back to the ways of peace, mercy, and reverence for human life.
Lord, hear us.

For those burdened by sin, fear, or despair:
that they may hear God’s appeal to be reconciled, and find healing through repentance and forgiveness.
Lord, hear us.

For this parish community, marked today with ashes:
that our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving may be sincere, and our hearts truly turned back to the Lord.
Lord, hear us.

Let us now pause and offer in silence the prayers we hold in our hearts.
(silent prayer)

Let us entrust these prayers to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

All:
Hail Mary…

Priest:
Merciful Father,
you desire not the death of the sinner but that we should turn back and live.
Hear the prayers we make in faith,
and lead us along the path of repentance and life,
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.