Dear God, In this season of Lent, we’re reminded of our difficulties and struggles. Sometimes, the way has seemed too dark. Sometimes, we feel like our lives have been marked by such grief and pain we don’t see how our circumstances can ever change.

But in the midst of our weakness, we ask that you would be strong on our behalf. Lord, rise within us. Let your Spirit shine out of every broken place we’ve walked through. Allow your power to be manifested through our weakness so that others will recognize it is You who is at work on our behalf.

We ask that you trade the ashes of our lives for the beauty of your Presence. Trade our mourning and grief for the oil of joy and gladness from your Spirit. Trade our despair for hope and praise. We choose to give you thanks today and believe that this season of darkness will fade away.

Thank you that you are with us in whatever we face and that you are greater than this trial. We know and recognize that You are Sovereign, we thank You for the victory that is ours because of Christ Jesus, and we are confident that You have good still in store for our future. We thank you that you are at work right now, trading our ashes for greater beauty. We praise you, for you make all things new. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.