O Gracious God, help me, while fasting bodily, to also fast in spirit. Help me to see where I need to make Your love and kindness present in my world. Drive out from my heart all self-centeredness and help me to integrate into my life the attitudes and behaviors of Jesus, the Christ. Help me, as I fast, to come to a deeper awareness of the meaning and purpose of my life and to understand that You have willed that I live this earthly existence in order to come to know, love and serve You. Help me to bring the healing of Your love to those who cross my path in life. 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.