O, Ancient of Days, Eternal Light who shattered primordial darkness with a word,
Uncreated Flame, Source of all being and End of all longing, I stand at the threshold of this sacred Lenten pilgrimage.
O Eternal and Most Holy God, Ancient of Days, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, Lord of Hosts and King of Peace, Father of Mercies and God of all Comfort, Consuming Fire, Rock of Age, and Search¬er of hearts, I come before You in awe and trembling, for You are holy beyond all telling, and yet nearer to me than my own breath.