Heavenly Father,

As we celebrate the season of Lent give us pause to reflect on your ministry here on earth.  Help us to take this time to evaluate our faith walk with you, and a time to look for ways to serve our fellow brothers and sisters as you served during your earthly life. Help us to look for opportunities to reach out to the lost in our communities and share with them in word and lifestyle your example of forgiveness and love.  Help us to be your hands and feet as we look for ways to serve. We ask you, especially during the solemn period of Lent to cover with an extra measure of comfort all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.  Help us to support these families in word and deed as they struggle through the period of mourning.  And as we move through Lent we pray that we may exemplify the coming joy of your glorious resurrection in the celebration of Easter.