God, we thank you for the gift of this season of Lent. As we enter this time, may we be filled with your spirit, so that we might grow deeper in your love. As we begin this journey, we think about Jesus in the wilderness – being tested – we remember that he did this to show us that he knows what our lives can be – and to show us how to live our lives. As we prepare to walk the road with Jesus, that leads to Jerusalem, to a cross on a hill, to tomb of stone, we pray you might open our hearts, open our souls, open our very beings. For in that openness we remember – we remember who you are and what you have done – we remember who we are and who you made us to be. As we might be tested to be – and do –something else, draw us back to our truest selves. In the busyness of life help us to see for ourselves how you are with us. Remind us how you walk before us. Let us see how what seem like ancient stories are actually words that speak to our lives and to our own stories. Bless these sacred and special days of Lent so that when we arrive on Easter morning we will know the fullness of the gift we have been given. All this we pray in the name of the One who comes to heal and bless us, Jesus the Christ. Amen