Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give You thanks,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

His fast of forty days makes this a holy season of self-denial.
By rejecting the devil's temptations
He has taught us to rid ourselves of the hidden corruption of evil,
and so to share His paschal meal in purity of heart,
until we come to its fulfillment in the promised land of heaven.

Now we join the angels and the saints
as they sing their unending hymn of praise:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.