Ash Wednesday Prayer

[This family prayer is to be recited in front of a Crucifix from Ash Wednesday until Saturday at the beginning of Lent.] Leader or a child: From the Gospel of St. John (14:1-6). Do not let your hearts be troubled. You who trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father's house, there are many rooms. If this weren’t true, I would have told you, because I am going to prepare a place for you. And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to myself, that where I am, you may also be. And you know where I am going, and you know the way. Leader: Let us boast in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ Family: in whom we have salvation, life, and resurrection. Leader: Let us pray. Lord, grant your faithful a spirit of generosity to begin this solemn fast with sincere zeal and to continue it with unwavering devotion. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Family: Amen. Safeguard this home, Lord, with your presence. Remove far from it all the snares of the evil one. May your holy angels dwell here, to guard us in peace. And may your blessing remain with us always. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Leader: Let us bless the Lord. Family: Thanks be to God. Leader: May the all-powerful and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless and protect us. Family:Amen.