Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		Lent is a time when we try to change our hearts to become better people. Let us pray. Father, help us to change our hearts. Help us to be more loving, more thoughtful, and more giving. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus.
All		Amen.
READING
Reader		The Lord says, "I’ll tell you what it really means to worship me. Free those who are in prison unjustly. Share your food with everyone who is hungry. Share your home with the poor and homeless. Give clothes to those in need. Don’t turn away your relatives. Then your light will shine like the rising sun. Your honesty will protect you, and the glory of the Lord will defend you. Then you will call for help and the Lord will answer, 'Here I am!’" (based on Isaiah 58:6–9)
RESPONSE
Leader		The Church helps us during Lent to improve the way we live by helping us to change our hearts.
Reader 1		Why should I change my heart during Lent? I don’t want another heart.
Reader 2		It just means you should become a better person.
Reader 1		How can I do that?
Reader 2		You can begin by praying more.
Reader 1		Pray! I never get what I pray for. People say God gives us what we need, but I needed a bike and I didn’t get one.
Reader 2		Maybe you’re asking for the wrong things. God gives you what you really need. In fact, God gives you gifts that are better than those you asked for.
Reader 1		Like what?
Reader 2		Happiness, peace, and love. God puts these in your heart. Prayer helps you to look into your heart so you can find them. You know, there are other ways to find those special gifts in your heart.
Reader 1		How?
Reader 2		Some people fast. You know, by giving up food like snacks.
Reader 1		I could do that. I don’t have to have ice cream every day.
Reader 2		I bet if you try, you could even think of ways to be a generous almsgiver, too.
Reader 1		A what?
Reader 2		Almsgiver. The word alms means "money, clothes, food, toys" – anything you give to the poor.
Reader 1		I could be an almsgiver. I could give to the poor the money I saved from not buying snacks during Lent.
Reader 2		That’s a good plan. Remember if you pray, fast, and give alms during Lent, and your heart will be changed!
Reader 1		I can feel it changing already!
		(Share examples of almsgiving, fasting, and prayer that were given while preparing for the liturgy.)
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		Let us pray. Lord, we have shared ways we can look into our hearts and change our lives during Lent. In this way we will better serve and love you.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG