A Prayer Before Mass (Thursday)

O Lord, You show compassion to all and take no pleasure in the destruction of any of Your creations. Consider our fragile nature, for You are our Father and our God. Do not hold Your anger against us forever, nor withhold Your gentle mercies from us. It is not because of our righteous deeds that we bring our prayers before You, but rather because of the abundance of Your compassion. Remove our sins, O Lord, and graciously ignite within us the flame of Your Holy Spirit. Take away our hardened hearts and grant us hearts of flesh, hearts that love and worship You, hearts that find joy in seeking and enjoying Your presence. We humbly ask for Your mercy, O Lord, that You would kindly look upon Your family as it fulfills its promises to Your sacred name; may no plea be offered in vain and may no prayer go unanswered. Inspire our requests so that they may be pleasing to You and worthy of Your response.Amen.