Matthew 7:7-12

New International Version (NIV)

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Closing Prayer

Lord, 
I’m not always eager to do your will. 
I’d often much rather do my own will. 
Please be with me on this Lenten journey 
and help me to remember 
that your own spirit can guide me 
in the right direction. 
I want to “fix” my weaknesses 
but the task seems overwhelming. 
But I know that with your help, 
anything can be done. 
With a grateful heart, 
I acknowledge your love 
and know that without you, 
I can do nothing.

May the Lord bless us, 
protect us from all evil 
and bring us to everlasting life. 
Amen.