By John Merigian
Sanctify a fast come call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the House of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord
Joel 1: 14
Every first Saturday of the month in the town where I live, sirens go off at noon to test the municipal warning system. This warning system alerts us to danger. And while on that first Saturday, we know it is only a warning, when we hear these sirens go off at any other time, we know we must immediately seek shelter. The beginning of Lent is like that warning siren. We are warned in the book of Joel to fast, to gather together, and cry out to the Lord in the House of the Lord. We all will face crises in our lives; none of us can get through life without challenges or suffering. Now is the day to prepare our hearts. Now is the time for us to cry out to the Lord, to seek His face while we can.Let us pray with St. Gregory:
Grant me life, compassionate Lord.
Hear me, merciful Lord.
Be charitable to me, forgiving Lord.
Save me, long-suffering Lord.
Protect me, defender Lord.
Be generous, all giving Lord.
Free me, all powerful Lord.
Revive me, restoring Lord.
Raise me again, awe inspiring Lord.
Amen
Prayer 2 D
