As We Begin Our Observance of Lent

O God, the Fountain of life and the Sun of our souls: we thank you for permitting us again to observe the sacred season of Lent.  Accept our gratitude for your love, which was so great that you sent your only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  Forbid, O God, that we should forget - amid our earthly comforts - the pains and mortal anguish that our Lord endured for our salvation.  Grant us a true vision of all that He suffered to humble our hearts, and to make us realize just how precious our life is, that You would die on the cross for us.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.