You must use every care to clothe yourselves in God’s armour so that you may be ready to withstand the enemy’s ambush.

Carmelite Rule - 18

Dear Jesus,

You spent 40-days in the desert before you began your ministry to the world. You resisted the temptations offered by the devil, saying no to worldly pleasures and power. Like the prophets before you, 40-days in the desert was preparation for the great mission of your life. As Lent begins, help us to make our lives pure and holy. Give us the grace to willingly make our own self-denials into personal deserts, which will prepare us for your work. Purify our souls in the crucible of this Lenten season, and make our hearts acceptable to you and your Father. Amen.