Prayer During Lent

Today we're going to learn about prayer during Lent, or الصوم as we say in Arabic. Lent is a very special time in our Maronite Catholic Church when we prepare our hearts for Easter by praying more, fasting, and helping others. Let me tell you about Jesus when He went to pray in the desert for forty days. Before Jesus began His ministry, He went to a quiet place in the wilderness to pray and fast. For forty days and forty nights, Jesus spent time talking with His heavenly Father. He didn't eat food, but instead He filled His heart with prayer and God's love. Can anyone tell me what you think Jesus might have prayed about during those forty days? That's right! He probably prayed for strength, for wisdom, and for all the people He would help and heal. Just like Jesus, during our forty days of Lent, we make extra time for prayer. In our Maronite tradition, we have beautiful prayers and hymns that help us focus on God. We might wake up a little earlier to say our morning prayers, or spend quiet time before bed talking to God. When Jesus finished His forty days of prayer and fasting, He was ready to do God's work. He had filled His heart with so much prayer that He was strong and ready to love and serve others. What kinds of prayers do you like to say during Lent? Maybe the Our Father, or asking God to help your family? The beautiful thing about Lent is that when we pray more, we grow closer to Jesus. Our hearts become more loving and kind, just like His. Prayer during Lent helps us prepare to celebrate the joy of Easter, when Jesus rose from the dead. Remember, prayer is our special way of talking with God, and Lent gives us extra time to have these wonderful conversations with Him.