Blessed are you, O Lord our God,
the shepherd of Israel,
their pillar of cloud by day,
their pillar of fire by night.
In these forty days you lead us
into the desert of repentance
that in this pilgrimage of prayer
we might learn to be your people once more.
In fasting and service
you bring us back to your heart.
You open our eyes to your presence in the world
and you free our hands to lead others
to the radiant splendor of your mercy
Be with us in these journey days
for without you we are lost and will perish.
To you alone be dominion and glory,
for ever and ever.
Praise God in Song, ©1979, GIA Publications, Inc, Chicago
The Book of a Thousand Prayers
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Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
prayer & verse 