# Our Love—Our Lenten Journey Together
*2013-02-13*

> Bill Young leads a prayer invoking the Spirit of Love as we continue our Lenten journey, asking for renewal, courage, and holiness for the Church and the world.

## Opening Prayer

Dear Lord, as I make my Lenten journey with you, send me your Spirit. Help me to give of myself, turn away from sin, and fast and pray so that I may know you better. Renew me through this journey to share your grace with the world. Amen.

## Invocation of the Spirit of Love

Come, O Spirit of Love, and renew the faith of the earth. Grant that all things may become a new garden of grace and holiness, of justice and love, of communion and peace, so that the Most Holy Trinity may once again be loved and glorified.

Come, O Spirit of Love, and renew the whole Church. Bring her perfection in love, unity, and holiness, that she may become a great light illuminating all peoples in the darkness of the world.

## Prayer for Wisdom, Truth, and Courage

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, and open our hearts so that we may comprehend the whole truth. With the ardent strength of your divine fire, root out every error, sweep away all heresies, that the light of truth which Jesus revealed may shine on everyone in its fullness.

Come, O Spirit of Counsel and Courage, that we may be bold witnesses of the Gospel. Sustain those who are persecuted, give courage to those who suffer discrimination, strength to the imprisoned, and comfort to those who are crushed or tortured. Grant the palm of victory to those who bear martyrdom in these times.

## Prayer for the Clergy and the Faithful

Come, O Spirit of Knowledge, reverence, and awe in God's presence, with the sap of your divine love. Renew the lives of all who have been consecrated through Baptism and sealed in Confirmation, of those who offer themselves to the service of God—bishops, priests, and deacons—so that they may cooperate in the plan you seek to fulfill. May the renewed Pentecost we invoke be fulfilled at last. Amen.

*May the Spirit of Love guide us through Lent, renewing our hearts, our Church, and our witness to the world.*