7 Prayers to Say During Each Week of Lent

Dear God, as I approach the middle of Lent, my soul is filled with gratitude for you. Thank you for who you are. Thank you for the wonder of your work in my life. No matter what circumstances I’m going through, I know I can trust you to be there with me. You give me everything I need. You’re constantly pouring blessings into my life, because you’re such a loving and generous God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, the Bible encourages me to: “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Please help me to live each day with a thankful heart and mind, relying on you in both joy and sorrow. Give me the wisdom to see your plan at work in my life, and let my gratitude point other people to your faithfulness. Thank you, wonderful Father. Amen. 

Dear God, during this fifth week of Lent, please help me heal from the brokenness in my life. James 5:16 exhorts me to: “… confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” I confess that I’m struggling with sin in these areas of my life [confess specific struggles]. God, I repent of those unhealthy behaviors and commit to healthy change. Please show me what changes you want me to make so I can stop unhealthy habits and develop new, healthy habits – for my spirit, mind, and body, as well as for my relationships with others. Empower me through your Holy Spirit to make each of those changes, and lead me to a caring and trustworthy friend who will encourage me and hold me accountable in the process. Thank you for your help on my healing journey. I want to emerge from Lent with stronger spiritual, mental, and physical, and relational health. On Easter, I want to celebrate your Resurrection power at work in my life, leading me to keep growing healthier as I walk with you day by day. I will rely on your strength to help me heal. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Dear God, as I go into Holy Week, I’m especially aware of my need for strength beyond my own abilities. Philippians 4:13 promises: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Please give me your strength when I’m weak and remind me that with you, I can overcome any challenges in my life with unwavering faith. Give me the perseverance to continue this journey through Lent with you all the way to the end. Thank you that I can rely on your strength to sustain me in all situations. I pray this with confidence and trust that you will help me keep going – and keep growing – as I keep focusing on you. Thank you, mighty God. Amen. 

Dear God, on this Holy Saturday, when I remember the time between Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection, teach me the beauty of patience and reliance on your perfect timing. Isaiah 40:31 encourages me: “… those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” As I look forward to Easter, I’m anticipating a joyful time of celebrating your Resurrection. Thank you for the hope you have made a reality for me. I know that when I die, I will be with you in heaven because of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice that gives me ultimate hope. I place all of my hope in you, wonderful Father. In the final stretch of this journey, I’m excited by how you’ve transformed me, giving me a deeper understanding of your love and a renewed commitment to living out my faith daily. Thank you, God. Amen. 

In conclusion, as we pray during each week of Lent, we can notice God’s presence with us on this sacred pilgrimage. Every prayer can help us grow closer to God and experience more of his great love in our lives. Then, we can emerge from Lent ready to celebrate Easter with a full awareness of Easter’s significance in our lives. The journey doesn’t end when Lent ends. It turns into a continual conversation with God as we keep praying and enjoying a closer relationship with God. The discipline of prayer during Lent is a powerful tool that refines our character, strengthens our faith, and aligns our priorities with God’s heart.

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Whitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com and on her Facebook author page.