Lent marks a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal for Christians around the world. Whether you’re just beginning your Lenten journey or looking to deepen your faith, prayer is an essential part of the experience. Starting Lent with prayer can help set the tone for the 40 days ahead, drawing you closer to God.
Prayers For The First Day Of Lent
In this article, we offer 18 short prayers for the first day of Lent, designed to inspire, renew, and center your heart on the true meaning of the season.
1. A Prayer for Renewed Faith at the Start of Lent:
Dear God, as I begin this season of Lent, I ask for a renewed faith in Your promises. Strengthen my trust in You and help me focus on Your love and guidance throughout these 40 days. May this journey lead me to a deeper connection with You, grounding my heart in Your truth and wisdom. I want to live with greater faith, knowing that Your presence is with me every step of the way.
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Amen.
2. A Prayer for Inner Peace During Lent:
Heavenly Father, as I begin this season of Lent, I pray for Your peace to fill my heart. In the midst of life’s distractions, help me to find stillness in Your presence. Calm my mind and guide me toward a place of serenity, where Your peace can flow freely. May this time of reflection help me let go of stress and embrace Your peace fully.
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Amen.
3. A Prayer for Strength to Overcome Temptations:
Lord, I ask for the strength to overcome temptations during this Lenten season. Help me to resist the urge to stray from Your will and stay focused on Your path. Fill me with the courage to choose what pleases You, and grant me the fortitude to say no to things that would pull me away from Your presence.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” Amen.
4. A Prayer for Spiritual Renewal During Lent:
Dear God, I come before You asking for spiritual renewal during this season of Lent. Refresh my soul, revive my heart, and renew my mind. Help me to reflect on my past, repent for my sins, and open myself to the transformation You desire in me. May this season lead to a deeper love for You and others.
Isaiah 40:31
“But 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.” Amen.
5. A Prayer for a Humble Heart During Lent:
Lord, I ask for a humble heart this Lent. Help me to walk in humility, recognizing that all I have is a gift from You. Remove pride from my heart, and replace it with a spirit of service, kindness, and gentleness. May I serve You and others selflessly, following the example of Jesus.
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Amen.
6. A Prayer for Gratitude in the Season of Lent:
Heavenly Father, during this Lenten season, I want to cultivate a heart of gratitude. Help me to reflect on the many blessings You have given me, both big and small. Thank You for Your constant love and grace, and for the gift of life itself. May my gratitude overflow into acts of kindness and love toward others.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Amen.
7. A Prayer for Self-Discipline in Fasting:
God, as I engage in fasting this Lent, I pray for self-discipline. Help me to resist the temptations of the flesh and stay focused on the spiritual purpose of this fast. May my sacrifices draw me closer to You and help me grow in faith, self-control, and dependence on Your provision.
Matthew 6:16
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” Amen.
8. A Prayer for Strength to Serve Others During Lent:
Lord, I ask for the strength to serve others with a joyful heart. During this Lenten season, open my eyes to the needs of those around me. Give me the courage to serve without expecting anything in return, and help me to reflect Your love through my actions.
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'” Amen.
9. A Prayer for Spiritual Growth During Lent:
Dear God, I desire to grow closer to You during this season of Lent. Help me to develop a deeper understanding of Your word and strengthen my spiritual practices. May this time of prayer and reflection allow me to grow in my relationship with You and become more like Christ each day.
2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” Amen.
10. A Prayer for Reconciliation with God and Others:
Lord, I pray for reconciliation in my heart. If there is any area of my life where I have been distant from You, I ask for Your forgiveness and healing. Also, if there are relationships that need mending, guide me to seek peace and resolution. May this season of Lent lead to harmony in both my relationship with You and others.
Matthew 5:24
“Leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Amen.
11. A Prayer for Trust in God’s Plan During Lent:
Heavenly Father, help me to trust in Your plan for me this Lent. When I feel uncertain or anxious, remind me that You have a perfect plan and purpose for my life. May I surrender my will to You and trust that You are working all things together for my good.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Amen.
12. A Prayer for Love and Compassion for Others:
Lord, open my heart to love others as You have loved me. Help me to show compassion, kindness, and empathy, especially to those who are difficult to love. May this Lenten season allow me to embody Christ’s love and share that love with everyone I meet.
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Amen.
13. A Prayer for Forgiveness of Sins:
God, I come before You seeking forgiveness for my sins. I confess the times I have fallen short, and I ask for Your mercy. Cleanse me, forgive me, and restore me to a right relationship with You. Help me to repent and turn away from my sins, drawing closer to You during this season of Lent.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Amen.
14. A Prayer for Patience and Perseverance During Lent:
Lord, I ask for patience and perseverance as I walk through this season of Lent. There will be times when the journey feels hard, but I trust in Your presence to sustain me. Grant me the strength to endure and remain faithful, even when I face trials.
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Amen.
15. A Prayer for Humility in Our Sacrifices:
God, as I make sacrifices during this Lenten season, I pray for a spirit of humility. Help me to remember that my sacrifices are not for show, but to honor You. Let my heart be pure and my intentions genuine as I seek to grow in my faith and relationship with You.
Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” Amen.
16. A Prayer for Daily Guidance During Lent:
Lord, guide me each day of this Lenten journey. Help me to hear Your voice clearly and follow Your direction. May each prayer, reflection, and sacrifice bring me closer to Your will. Let Your Holy Spirit lead me in every step, so that I may walk in faith and obedience.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Amen.
17. A Prayer for Joy in the Lenten Season:
Dear God, though this season is marked by reflection and sacrifice, I pray for joy in my heart. Help me to see the beauty in Your work, even in the midst of trials. May my joy come from knowing You more deeply, and may that joy overflow into my interactions with others.
Nehemiah 8:10
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Amen.
18. A Prayer for Christ’s Presence Throughout Lent:
Lord, I invite You into every moment of this Lenten season. May Your presence be evident in every prayer, every sacrifice, and every reflection. Help me to draw closer to You, following the example of Jesus, and becoming more like Him each day.
Matthew 28:20
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Amen.
Conclusion
As you begin this season of Lent, remember that each prayer, no matter how short or simple, can draw you closer to God. These 18 prayers for the first day of Lent are a way to kickstart your journey, grounding you in reflection, repentance, and hope. May these prayers serve as a reminder of God’s grace and love as you embark on a transformative spiritual season.
