Prayer for the First Sunday in Lent

First page of the Gospel of Mark,
The Book of Kells, Trinity College - Dublin

When the Heavens Are Torn Open
(May be used as a prayer or as a meditation)

And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.
(Mark 1:10, NRSV)

O God,
Let us see the heavens torn open,
Signaling an end to separation
Between us and you.

Let us feel the cool breeze of blessing
The warmth of your acknowledging smile
The shalom that comes from knowing
That we are yours.

Let us see the heavens torn
Veil rent
Walls shattered
Demons subdued.

Let us be aware of our own nakedness
And tremble as we weep
In repentance for our sins

As we begin this Lenten journey,

May we see the heavens torn open above our heads
And remember
That you
Are God!

(from the GBOD website)