40 DAYS LENTEN PRAYER (TIME-TABLE)

THEME: Pray, fast and give alms

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40 DAYS LENTEN SPIRITUAL PROGRAM

THEME: PRAY FAST AND GIVE ALMS

SPIRITUAL REFLECTION

 

ABOUT LENT

ent, which comes from an Anglo-Saxon word for “spring,” can be viewed as a spiritual spring cleaning: a time for taking spiritual inventory and then cleaning out everything which hinders a relationship with Christ.

Traditionally, the season of Lent begins with a sign of repentance: placing ashes mixed with oil on one’s head or forehead. This day is known as Ash Wednesday.

However, we must realize that any Lenten disciplines/denials we demonstrate before God should be practiced to help us become closer to Christ and become more like Him, not to wallow in our repentance or try to gain favor or earn more love from God.

 

THE FASTING THAT PLEASES GOD

asting, by definition, is going without food and/or drink or things you love most for a period of time. Typically, fasting is done for religious reasons and involves a person refraining from both food, drink and things you cherish most.

However, it is pertinent to know that, for your fast to be more efficient you should give out whatever you have saved during your fast.

Do not forget that Fasting is not merely abstaining from food, water or other pleasurable things, it is also and more importantly abstaining from quarrelling, fighting and other acts of wickedness. According to Isaiah in today’s first reading, these vices make our fasting null and void.

It is often said that “a hungry man is an angry man.” It is true that when we are hungry, we are more likely to lose our temper. This is why we must be very careful so as not to allow our fasting to become an occasion for anger, bitterness or insulting others. It is better not to fast than to allow your hunger to push you into sin.

In fact, Isaiah further clarifies that there is a type of fasting that is far better than not eating. This fasting involves the following: “to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, to break every yoke… to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him” (Isaiah 58:6-7).

Honestly This is given that we live in a society where people seek to take advantage of the charity of others, a society where some have taken it as a business to tell lies from place to place in the name of begging, a society where armed robbers disguise as homeless persons seeking for help, a society where no one can be trusted.

 

We should never be discouraged to carry out this type of fasting because as much as it is a huge risk to help others, it is even a greater risk to care only for yourself. Do you remember the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus? Jesus says: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)

In truth, fasting is useless if nobody benefits from it. Fast from selfishness, fast from self-centeredness, leave your comfort zone, visit the poor, the lonely, the oppressed, those who have nowhere to stay or cannot afford to buy clothes and help as much as you can.

v Fasting is a means of getting God’s blessings. Prophet Samuel and the Israelites fasted when their enemies – the Philistines came for battle. God thundered upon the Philistines and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel (1 Samuel 7:6)

 

v Fasting releases God's supernatural power. It is a tool we can use when there is opposition to God's will. Satan would like nothing better than to cause division, discouragement, defeat, depression, and doubt among us. United prayer and fasting has always been used by God to deal a decisive blow to the enemy!

v Fasting is helpful for prayer, particularly when we set apart long portions of time for private prayer.

 

v Men who had sinned by consuming excessive food and drinks, and had hurt not only their souls but also their bodies, would fast as reparation for their excesses. It is a kind of a holy revenge for their excessive indulgence of their bodies.

 

v Fasting is also used as an aid to avert God’s wrath. When Jonah preached, the king of Nineveh and his people fasted and put on sackcloth to avert the destruction by God. When God saw their repentance, He refrained from destroying their city. Etc..

 

 

KINDLY FOLLOW THIS 40 DAYS SPIRITUAL EXERCISE/TIME-TABLE FOR A FRUITFUL LENTEN SEASON.

GENERAL EXERCISE: DAILY ROSARY, STATIONS OF THE CROSS AND HOLY MASS.

 

DAY 1

READ: Matt 4:1-11; Lk 4:1-15

PSALM 119

Jesus though full of the Holy Spirit, needed to be empowered by the Spirit. The wilderness experience equipped him to receive power.  He prayed and also overcame the temptation not to misuse the power he would receive.

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: To be led by the Holy Spirit throughout these 40 days period of prayer

v Ask for daily physical and spiritual strength to keep you focused

v Your mind is the battleground. Shield your thoughts from the devil’s influence. Pray against the temptation to misuse the power of God :

v Temptation of the flesh – God’s power/ authority is not for you to merely satisfy your personal desires or needs. Feeding those needs alone will only give mortal life; but the word of God nurtures the physical and spiritual, which will give eternal Life.

v Temptation of misuse of power (abuse); do not test the Lord, only exercise His power as He leads you to for His glory and not for self-gratification.

v where is your loyalty when measured against worldly gain?  Whatever the devil offers belongs to your God who meets your every need.  You need not sell your soul to the devil for what he cannot give you.

v Pray that by the end of the Lenten period you can of a certainty rebuke Satan out of your life

v Pray for power to identify and crush Satan’s opportunity to tempt you again.

v Pray that by the end of Lent, you will have attained the necessary spiritual growth which will empower you for the next level in your ministry / spiritual walk. Angels must minister to you.

We fly to your patronage ..…..

And surely …….

 

DAY 2

READ: 1COR 1

Psalm 127

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: To remain sanctified in Christ, calling only on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

v For grace, through Jesus to be enriched with a deep knowledge of the gospel to articulate it fluently.

v That as you prepare yourself for His coming, you’ll not lack any spiritual gifts you require.

v That He sustains you to the end, that you ‘ll be found guiltless on His return.

v That we are united and of one mind regarding the gospel

v Pray against all spirits of dissension or idolising of servants of God above Christ Jesus our Saviour.

v That servants of God will make preaching and teaching of the gospel their focus with insight from the Lord, not with eloquent wisdom

v As we preach the gospel, we do so in humility with the knowledge that comes from the Holy Spirit, solely to win souls to Christ, not for self-aggrandizement but so that they believe and live by the word we preach

v That Christ remains our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.

We fly to your patronage ..…..

And surely …….

 

DAY 3

 

READ: 1 COR 2

Psalm 16

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

 PRAY: That we make Christ the crucified and Risen Lord, our focus in all things

v That we preach him, in demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power so that our faith rests in the power of God and not the wisdom of men

v For the secret wisdom of God through which He reveals, by His Spirit, all that He has prepared for those who love Him – will be imparted to us.

v That you do not seek the wisdom of men, or of debaters of this world.

v That through the Spirit of God and not that of the world, we will understand the gifts bestowed upon us by God ,

v That we rely on the Holy Spirit as our Teacher to teach us how to impart the gifts in us and interpret spiritual truths to spirit filled people .

v For the mind of Christ so that your judgements will be right, thereby, you will not be condemned by unbelievers or those who are not of the Spirit.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 4

 

READ:  1COR 3

Psalm 51

REFLECT

PRAY: That all flesh-like behaviour, ungodly character which impede spiritual growth will be removed from us.  Ask for character reformation through the Holy Spirit.

v For understanding that in God’s vineyard, our individual works are complementary for the mutual growth of the body of Christ, each playing his part for the common good.

v For grace and a sense of responsibility to do our work well, so we receive our reward on the Day of Judgement. We do not want to be saved only to lose all our reward.

v As an individual, remember you are God’s temple and God’s Spirit dwells in you. Therefore, build up yourself with what will edify and not destroy lest God destroys you.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 5

 

READ: 1COR 4

Psalm 33

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY:  That our lives should reflect us as trustworthy servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God

v For grace and humility not to overestimate ourselves nor judge others wrongly, remembering always, God alone commends according to what He finds in the heart. That we learn to abase ourselves; when criticised insultingly, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we attempt to pacify.

v That we recognise and acknowledge those whom God has provided as spiritual parents, learning and practising the things of Christ which they teach us.

v That our relationship with them will be of love in a spirit of gentleness.

v Likewise, our walk with God, should please Him, to extend a hand of love to us and not judgement.

v That our chosen walk should demonstrate God’s power and not empty talk.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 6

READ : 1 COR 5

Psalm 32

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: Repent, confess and ask for forgiveness of any immorality in your life

v Against any spirit of immorality within the church.

v For spirit of repentance for anyone guilty of such behaviour and wisdom to deal with un-repentant ones so that they do not influence others.

v That the church be granted boldness not to tolerate impenitent characters but to confront and eliminate them.

v For the grace to keep our worship and walk with God in sincerity and truth and not tarnished by malice and evil.

v Against the spirit of compromise

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 7

 

READ: 1 COR 6

Psalm 107

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: For wisdom, tolerance, and self-control in resolving issues and grievances amongst brethren.

v For power to overcome temptations of sin, particularly sexual immorality.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

 

DAY 8

 

READ: 1 COR. 7:1 -24

Psalm 143

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: For God’s guidance regarding marriage for the unmarried brethren.

v For self- control for those who are unmarried, that they overcome temptation.

v For those who are married to recognize the equality of conjugal rights

v between husband and wife, thereby having consideration for each other.

v For marriages to be built upon Christ and sustained and equipped by the

v fruits of the Holy Spirit, thereby limiting the risk of divorce or separation.

v For broken relationships to be repaired and restored.

v For wisdom and understanding for brethren married to unbelievers; grace for them to win their spouses over to Christ.

v For grace for each one to lead with contentment, the life the Lord has

v assigned to him / her and to which God has called them

v For wisdom for those who are married to build their marriage and run

v their homes with a holistic balance which ensures, their domestic

v obligations do not become a distraction to their walk of salvation.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 9

 

READ: 1 COR. 8/9

Psalm 149

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: That we do all things in love, with the Holy Spirit granting us understanding to perceive things as God sees them.

 

v That we are considerate in our actions that they do not become stumbling blocks to others.

v That we remain humble and not puffed up with knowledge / self-conceit

v That all we eat and drink will be kept sanctified by the power in the name of Jesus.

v That those who sacrifice their time and livelihood for the sake of the Lord’s services should be graciously rewarded.

v That we are granted grace to become all things to all persons, as we seek to win their souls for God’s kingdom.

v For grace to endeavour to obtain the crown which awaits us at the end of our race of salvation.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 10

 

READ: 1 COR. 10

Psalm 33

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: That as we enjoy God’s grace, blessings and gifts, we will not, to our detriment displease Him to provoke Him to anger

v That we do not become presumptuous, thinking more highly of ourselves than we are.

v For endurance to overcome trials and temptations. That we receive grace to escape the wiles of the devil.

v For confidence to trust God in his faithfulness to be with us.

v That we will not by any means, expose ourselves to demonic defilement; the efficacy of the body and blood of Jesus which we receive during

v communion, must not be depleted by our exposure to demonic activities or materials.

v For wisdom and grace to recognise and do only that which is helpful for us and edifying to our neighbours.

v That we are not self-centred but have consideration for others.

v That whatever we do brings glory to God.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 11

 

READ: 1 COR. 11

Psalm 40

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: That we be imitators of Christ, holding on to the Biblical principles of our faith in Christ as we are taught.

v For obedient hearts that will not be contentious regarding His instructions. That we worship Him with the reverence He deserves.

v For grace to honour the Lord’s table, receiving His body and blood with sobriety and contrition. That, which we receive from His table will not

v bring judgement upon us.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

 

DAY 12

 

READ: 1 COR.12

Psalm 111

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: For full understanding of the working of the gifts, services and works of the Holy Spirit.

v That the church will be equipped with the gifts of the Holy Spirit as God wills that these gifts be made manifest for the common good.

v That we remain humble, not seeking self-glorification as the gifts work through us but in a spirit of unity, complement each other to build the church.

v That we respect God’s gift in each other, without downplaying any of them, recognising our dependence on each other for the common good.

v That the Lord will sharpen and sustain whatever gifts of the Holy Spirit you already have.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 13

 

READ: 1 COR 13

Psalm 57

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: For understanding that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are futile without love; that we be granted grace to work the gift in love.

v For our lives to bear the characteristics of love – patience, kindness, not

v envious or boastful, arrogant or rude; does not insist on our own way,

 

v not irritable or resentful, does not rejoice at wrong, bears all things,

 

v believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 

v For the fruits of the Holy Spirit to complement the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us.

 

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 14

 

READ: 1 COR 14

Psalm 141

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: That love be the basis of all that we do.

v That the Lord will bestow His gifts upon us, according to His perfect will for manifestation of the gifts of prophecy, speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues.

v That through them, the church be edified and built up, unbelievers convicted, fear the Lord and acknowledge that He is in our midst.

v As we receive the manifestations of God’s gifts, there will be no confusion, with self- control and orderliness all will be edified.

v That our gifts will be kept sanctified in the truth – no adulteration.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 15

 

READ: 1 COR 15:1-11

Psalm 55

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: That we stand in and hold fast to the true gospel which we have received and by which we are saved

v That the grace of the Lord will be sufficient to make us whatever the Lord will have us be, and the same grace will enable us to work hard for theLord.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 16

 

READ: 1 COR 15:12-58

Proverbs 18:24,

Psalm 1

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: That we are not misled by false doctrines or misinterpretation of the Christian faith.

v For spiritual insight and understanding of God’s mysteries and doctrines of the Christian faith.

v That we are not influenced or confused by those who lack the knowledge of God.

v For grace that we be found worthy to be raised to meet Christ when He returns – when the last trumpet sounds.

v That our mortal nature receives immortality.

v That through Christ we gain victory over sin and the law, and over death at the end of time.

v For grace to remain steadfast, immovable and abounding in the Lord’s work.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 17

 

READ: 1 COR 16

Psalm 120

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: For generous hearts to be cheerful givers to support God’s work and His workers.

v For wide doors for effective evangelism to be opened and we be equipped for such.  That we be empowered to overcome adversaries of the gospel.

v For grace to honour, be submissive and make comfortable, those who have devoted themselves to the work of God, as they seek to minister to us; that we be enabled by the Holy Spirit to be watchful, resolute, courageous and strong in our faith, doing all things in love.

v That we be used like Stephanus, Fortunatus and Archaicus, to refresh and revive servants of God and the brethren.

v That like Aquila and Prisca, the Lord will make our homes, houses of prayer and fellowship.

v That our love for God increases until the coming of our Saviour Christ Jesus.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 18

 

REVIEW: The highlights of the book of 1 CORINTHIANS.

Be resolved to live by what you have learnt and prayed for.  This is what ensures the Spiritual growth we aspire for.

PRAY: For grace to be doers of God’s words.

v For the Holy Spirit to bring to your remembrance what you have learnt and enable you to apply them in your daily life.

v Set goals to achieve some of the things you are required to do.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

DAY 19

 

READ: 2 COR. 1

Psalm 37

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: Thank the Lord who comforts us in our afflictions, ask him to mercifully remove any affliction in our lives, and enable us, through our testimony, to go out to comfort others in their afflictions.

v For patient endurance as we go through trials, tribulations, persecutions and sufferings, for Christ’s sake, so that we will also be comforted through Christ.

v As trials, afflictions and persecutions are bound to come in our Christian journey, ask the Lord for strength to rely solely on Him and to overcome.

v For fellow Christians and Ministers going through trials or afflictions, that they may have cause to praise God

v For Ministers of God to serve and live with a clear conscience of holiness and godly sincerity, depending only on God’s grace and not human wisdom.

v For Ministers of God to be apt teachers teaching the gospel in a way that it can be fully understood preparing them and their listeners for the Lord’s coming.

v We believe that all God’s promises for us are confirmed in Christ Jesus, therefore we claim manifestation and their fulfilment.

v That God will enable us to stand firm in Christ, seal us as His own, commission us and put His Spirit in us, as a guarantee of all He has promised us.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

                                                  DAY 20

 

READ : 2 COR. 2

Psalm 25

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: That our spiritual directors will always have cause to rejoice over us. That they are endowed with the grace to forbear even when we behave inappropriately.

v That even when hurt by others, we learn to forgive them so the devil does not take advantage of such frictions amongst us.

v That the Lord will open effective doors for us to preach the gospel and raise helpers to support us in doing the work.

v That through Christ, God will always lead us like fragrance, to spread the knowledge of Him wherever we go and make our lives adequate to proclaim Christ’s beauty wherever we are.

v That as Ministers, we will not preach the gospel for profit but with

v sincerity, knowing that God who sent us is watching us.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 21

 

READ: 2 COR. 3

PSALM 57

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: That the Lord will help us to be good products of the labours of our spiritual fathers /mentors, and that Christ, and all around will recognise this in us.

v That as Ministers, we will be made competent by the new covenant through Christ Jesus, with such confidence which gives us hope and makes us bold.

v That those who have not come to the knowledge of the freedom in Christ Jesus, may be enlightened to receive Him.

v That we who have come to know Christ, may increasingly reflect the glory of God’s image

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 22

 

READ: 2 COR. 4

PSALM 33

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: For our ministers not to despair but be people of integrity, preaching the word of God with uncompromising truth.

v That many unbelievers will be saved from the deception of the world and come into the light of Christ.

v That though humanly weak, God’s great power in us, will keep us immovable and triumphant in the midst of all opposition.

v That Christ’s life be seen in our lives, as overcomers.

v For grace to remain steadfast and enduring in our Christian walk.

v For daily renewal of our spirit with our hearts focused on eternal life.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 23

 

READ: 2 COR. 5

PSALM 64

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: That while we long for and await the time to take our place in God’s kingdom, the Holy Spirit should continue preparing us, body, soul, and spirit.

v That we walk by faith and not by sight, encouraged to live a Spirit-filled and spirit-led life, which will assist us to please God so that we receive a good reward when we appear before Christ’s judgement seat.

v That Christ’s love will control us, so that as He died for all, we too may live our lives not for ourselves, but for Him.

v That as Christ’s ambassadors, we be empowered to go out with the message of salvation, seeking to reconcile people to God

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 24

 

READ:- 2 COR. 6

PSALM 65

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: That as we have every opportunity of grace given us, we work out our salvation, ensuring that we do not put obstacles in the way of others.

v That the characteristics of true minsters of God and followers of Christ be found in us – endurance, perseverance, self-denial, kindness, love, truth and the power of God.

v That as children of light, we do not entangle ourselves with works of darkness or unrighteous living.

v That as we belong to God, He will be with us; that we strive to keep ourselves pure and unpolluted so that He will remain with us.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

 

DAY 25

 

READ: 2 COR. 7

PSALM 69

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: That we reach out to be a source of comfort to our priests and fellow brethren, particularly in their hours of trial or difficulties.

v For the conviction of the Holy Spirit when we do wrong; by it we feel godly grief that should bring about repentance and righteous transformation in our lives.

v That we possess a teachable spirit, such that when corrected, we accept it and amend our ways, so that both we and our teachers may rejoice.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 26

 

READ: 2 COR. 8

PSALM 60

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: That like the church in Macedonia, we find such grace that even in the face of adversity and trials, we are still able to rejoice and give generously, willing to give of ourselves to God and the brethren

v That we be good examples of a Christ-like genuine and selfless love.

v That like Titus, God will put the love of His people in our hearts.

v That we will be recognised and approved among the brethren for excellency in our services to God, to His glory.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

DAY 27

READ: 2 COR. 9

PSALM 20

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: That our zeal will stir up others for good works.

v For organizational skills in carrying out the Lord’s work.

v That the Holy Spirit helps us to understand that in sowing into God’s work with a willing spirit, we will reap bountiful rewards.

v That as we give, the Lord will supply and multiply our resources and increase the harvest of our righteousness.

v That all who receive from others, with a heart of gratitude, will pray for them.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 28

 

READ: 2 COR.10

PSALM 23

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY : For humility, meekness and the ability to become all things to all men, for the sake of the gospel.

v For spiritual insight to know that in our Christian journey, we have spiritual battles to fight. Therefore ask for spiritual weapons of divine power to destroy strongholds of darkness.

v For Holy Spirit authority to confute arguments and human reasonings, to destroy proud obstacles which keep people from the knowledge of God.

v For authority of God’s word to teach men to submit to, and obey Christ.

v As Ministers of God, to be empowered with authority to build up the church and not to destroy it.

v That as we are used by the Lord, we do not think ourselves more highly than we are or than He sees us. That we keep within the confines of His expectations of us.  That having done this, we receive grace to be commended by Him.

 

DAY 29

 

READ: 2 COR.11

PSALM 22

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: That we shall be made ready as pure brides to Christ.

v That we will not fall into the temptation of allowing our minds to be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

v That in our churches, we will NOT permit anyone to preach another Jesus except Christ, we will NEVER receive any other spirit than the Holy Spirit, neither will we ever accept a different message other than the undiluted word of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

v That as Ministers of God, we learn to be disciplined and to live within our means without burdening others.

v That the Lord will silence and purge His church of all false Ministers and deceitful workers who disguise themselves as servants of God.

v That we have the discerning spirit of the Holy Spirit to recognise such false minsters and not be misled by them.

v For true servants of God to remain steadfast and not compromise the truth.

v That we should not make ourselves gullible to the control of false minsters.

v That the Lord sustain the faith of all His Ministers, physically strengthen them and renew their spirit to keep pressing on, particularly those who suffer persecution.

v For protection from physical and spiritual attacks.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 30

 

READ: 2 COR.12

PSALM 139

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: For grace to have spiritual experiences which will give us visions, revelations and insight into the mysteries of the Lord. For humility as you gain these spiritual experiences, so you do not become arrogant.

v Concerning those weaknesses in your life, that you find difficult to subdue. Pray that the Lord’s grace will be sufficient for you so that they do not become a perpetual obstacle in your spiritual walk.  That in your weakness, God’s glory will be made perfect.

v That the sign of true apostleship – wonders and mighty works will be manifest in our churches.

v As Minsters of God, that we be ready to spend and be spent for the souls of men. That we are not found to be taking advantage of the brethren but working together in unity of Spirit for the good and upbuilding of the church.

v That the body of Christ is not brought down by unrighteous behaviour; that it is purged of quarrelling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit and disorder.  That those guilty of such come to full repentance. 

 

DAY 31

 

READ: 2 COR.13

PSALM 140

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: That as people of God, we must have the courage to take a stand against unrepentant people who unsettle the church by their immorality and licentiousness.

v For sincerity to examine and assess ourselves in ascertaining whether as professing Christians, we are holding on to our faith and are genuine.

v For ability to take responsibility for ourselves in doing what is right, regardless of how we may feel about any failings on our teachers’ part. We must realise we a have a personal duty to improve ourselves.

v That by our lapses, we will not provoke the Lord’s servants to use their God-given authority to tear down but to build us up.

v For grace to mend our ways, heed warnings and to live in peace and harmony. That the God of love and peace be with us.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

 

DAY 32

 

READ: JOHN 15

PSALM 17

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: For the end of suffering;

“God, the Bible tells us in Psalm 34:18 that you are near to the brokenhearted. Please be near to all those who are suffering today, Lord. Bring healing and relief where You want to bring healing, and bring strength and courage to those who You have decided in Your wisdom need to wait a bit longer. Thank You for all You are doing that we aren’t even aware of. Help me to always trust Your way is best.”

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

 

DAY 33

 

READ: MATTHEW 9

PSALM 118

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: For More Kingdom Workers

 “God, Matthew 9:37-38 instructs us to ask You for more kingdom workers. This is my prayer today. Please raise up more people who will passionately and wholeheartedly follow You, who will challenge and encourage others to do the same. Make us bold in sharing our faith with others, and help us to share what we know plainly and convincingly.”

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

DAY 34

 

READ: MATTHEW 5, HEBREW 12:14

PSALM 5

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAYER FOR OUR ENEMIES

 “God, sometimes it can feel like (this specific group of people) is an enemy, out to destroy the things I love and value. Please help me to see all people the way You see them, God. Please help these people come to know You and love You, and help my interactions to be loving as well. I want to live up to Your good example, God–even when it’s hard.”

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 35

 

READ: MATTHEW 21

PSALM 6

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: Lord God,
Six days before his death, your son sat with Lazarus,
Whom he had raised from the dead,
And ate dinner with his friends.

Once again, your gospel tells us, Martha served,
And Mary knelt at Jesus’ feet
To anoint them with costly perfume.
The disciple who was about to betray him
Said that it was a waste.

 

He didn’t care about the poor, really –
He just wanted to fill his own pockets
And make Mary feel ashamed.

Lord God,
Often we cannot discern what is best:
When to pour out costly perfume for your sake,
Even if the world thinks it a waste.

 

When to be busy serving,
Or when to rest at your Son’s feet and learn.
Give us ears to hear you and eyes to see.
For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 36

READ: JOHN 12

PSALM 130

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: Lord God,
The message of the cross is difficult to take.
How can death give way to life? How can weakness be strength?

Yet your word says that Jesus, being God,
Took on human flesh
And suffered the worst kind of death.
How can this be?

This message is indeed difficult to take.
But your foolishness is wiser than our wisdom.
Your weakness is greater than our strength.
Help us to know that none of us can boast before you.

It is only in Christ Jesus that we can boast.
In his name, we ask you to help our unbelief.
That we may love you, and walk in the way Jesus taught us.
In his name,

Amen.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

DAY 37

 

READ: JOHN 4

PSALM 102

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: Lord God,
We tremble to think
That it was one of Jesus’ own friends who betrayed him.
One who sat by him, who broke bread with him.

Give us strength, we pray,
To walk faithfully with Jesus,
Even when the road we walk is rocky
Even when the message of the cross seems like foolishness
And even when we feel betrayed.

You, Lord, are always faithful.
We stumble, we become lost,
But you are steady and sure.

Give us the grace to endure our troubles,
And reveal to us the glory of your kingdom,
Through your son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 38

 

READ: LUKE 9

PSALM 38

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: Lord God,
You sent your Son into the world,
And before his hour had come,
He washed his disciples’ feet.

You had given all things into his hands.
He had come from you, and was going to you,
And what did he do?
He knelt down on the floor,
And washed his friends’ feet.

He was their teacher and their Lord,
Yet he washed their feet.
Lord God, help us learn from his example;
Help us to do as he has done for us.

The world will know we are his disciples
If we love one another.
Strengthen our hands and our wills for love
And for service.

Keep before our eyes the image of your Son,
Who, being God, became a Servant for our sake.
All glory be to him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and forever.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 39

 

READ: JOHN 19

PSALM 32

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: Lord God,
Jesus cried out to you on the cross,
“Why have you forsaken me?”
You seemed so far from his cry
And from his distress.

Those who stood at the foot of the cross
Wondered where you were,
As they saw Jesus mocked and shamed and killed.
Where were you then?

Lord God,
We, too, ask where you are,
When there is trouble and suffering and death,
And we cry out to you for help.

Be near to us, and save us
So that we may praise you for your deliverance.

Lord God,
We wait, on Friday, for the resurrection of Sunday
And sometimes our lives seem a succession of Fridays
And we cannot see what is “Good.”

Teach us to call your name
As Jesus did.
Make us to trust in you like little children.
In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

DAY 40

 

READ: JOHN 3:16

PSALM 143

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

REFLECT

PRAY: Lord God,
On the Sabbath,
Jesus rested.
He was in the grave.
He had finished his work.

To most people’s eyes,
It looked as if it were all over.
He was dead and buried.

But only as a seed dies when it is planted in the earth,
Not to decay, but to spring to new life.
Teach us to take refuge in you when we are afraid
Teach us that death is not our end

Teach us to hope always in you
And in the resurrection, the making of all things
New.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen.

We fly to your patronage .….

And surely …..

 

SUMMARY OF THE ABOVE PRAYER

40 DAYS LENTEN SPIRITUAL PROGRAM/TIME-TABLE

THEME: PRAY FAST AND GIVE ALMS

DAILY ROSARY, STATIONS OF THE CROSS AND HOLY MASS

 

MAY IT BE A FRUITFUL AND FULFILING LENTEN SEASON FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

GOD BLESS YOU.

        

SIGNED

VERY REV. FR. LONGINUS IKENNA UGONWA

PARISH PRIEST