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    From Ash Wednesday  
    until the Saturday after  
    the Fourth Sunday of Lent  
     
    Invitation to Confession
    The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart God will not despise.
    Let us come to the Lord, who is full of compassion,
    and acknowledge our transgressions in penitence and faith.  
   
cf Psalm 51.17
     
    Gospel Acclamation
    Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
    The Lord is a great God, O that today you would listen to his voice.
    Harden not your hearts.     
   
cf Psalm 95.3,7,8
All   Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
     
    Introduction to the Peace
    Since we are justified by faith,
    we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
    who has given us access to his grace.     
   
Romans 5.1,2
       
    Eucharistic Prefaces  
     
    Short Preface (contemporary language)
    And now we give you thanks
    because you give us the spirit of discipline,
    that we may triumph over evil and grow in grace,
    as we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery
          with mind and heart renewed.
     
    Short Preface (traditional language)
    And now we give thee thanks
    because thou dost give us the spirit of discipline,
    that we may triumph over evil and grow in grace,
    as we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery
          with mind and heart renewed.
     
    Extended Preface for use with Eucharistic Prayers A, B and E
    It is indeed right and good
    to give you thanks and praise,
    almighty God and everlasting Father,
    through Jesus Christ your Son.
    For in these forty days
    you lead us into the desert of repentance
    that through a pilgrimage of prayer and discipline
    we may grow in grace
    and learn to be your people once again.
    Through fasting, prayer and acts of service
    you bring us back to your generous heart.
    Through study of your holy word
    you open our eyes to your presence in the world
    and free our hands to welcome others
    into the radiant splendour of your love.
    As we prepare to celebrate the Easter feast
    with joyful hearts and minds
    we bless you for your mercy
    and join with saints and angels
    for ever praising you and saying:
     
    Blessing
    Christ give you grace to grow in holiness,
    to deny yourselves, take up your cross, and follow him;
    and the blessing …
     
    Additional material in President's Edition
     
© The Archbishops' Council of the Church of England, 2000-2004
All of the official Common Worship publications are being published by Church House Publishing.