22 February 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the first Sunday of Lent

Introduction: Each year on this first Sunday of Lent, we hear how Jesus was tempted in the desert. Jesus resisted his temptations, finding strength in God. As we embark on these 40 days of Lent, may the Lord give us the strength and courage to resist temptation and to repent for the times we fail to do so. 

Penitential Rite: Priest: 

Lord Jesus - you call us to journey through the desert during these holy days of Lent - Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus - you call us to resist temptation - Christ have mercy. 

Lord Jesus - you call us to follow your Father’s will - Lord have mercy. 

Prayers of the faithful - 

PRIEST: As we commemorate the first Sunday of the holy season of Lent, let us open our hearts to God in prayer:

1. For the strength to resist temptation and to follow God’s laws and commandments.   We pray to the Lord. 

2. That our prayers, reflection, fasting, and works of charity bring us renewal, reconciliation, and unity with Christ, our Savior.  We pray to the Lord. 

3. That the sacrifices we make during Lent show God our love and gratitude for the multitude of gifts and benefits that he bestows upon us in daily life. We pray to the Lord. 

4. For the sick and the afflicted. For healing in body, mind, and spirit. We pray to the Lord. 

5. For those preparing for the sacraments of initiation this Easter season. For the children in our first communion class. For our youth preparing for confirmation. That they we strengthened in faith, hope, and love. We pray to the Lord. 

6. That we may turn to God and each other when we face temptations both big and small. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For first responders, medical professionals, veterans, and men and women serving in the military. We pray to the Lord. 

8. We remember in silence our own personal intentions and the intentions of those who have asked for our prayers. We pray to the Lord. 

PRIEST: Grant, Lord, that we may grow in understanding and in charity during this season of Lent. We make these prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen.