O Compassionate Lord, I beseech Your help as I begin this Great Fast. Help me to truly enter into the spirit of this season by giving myself to the ascetical practices and prayers that our Spiritual Fathers have recommended. Help me to engage in penance so that I might come to truly know and personally experience Your great love. Knowing of Your love for me, help me to love others, knowing that You also love them. As I request Your help, O God, I offer my praise to You, Who I know to be Father, Son and Holy Spirit, not only now but forever and ever. Amen.