1st Sunday of Lent 2010

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan; Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. – The Book of Common Prayer

In this Lenten prayer for the first Sunday of Lent we hear echoes of the book of Hebrews:

"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Our Savior, according to Scripture, was tempted in every way that we are. He is in heaven right now waiting to give us mercy and grace. As we continue our Lenten fast we will be tempted to break the fast, to give in to our human weaknesses and sin. Our Savior knows our weakness and our hope rests on His holy word that we can “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Let us hold true to our commitment to fast, search our hearts and seek God this Lenten season.