With our cross close to Jesus

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

May the peace of the Lord be with us all.

We are in the second week of Lent and, as every year, we dedicate our Prayer Marathon to a special reflection on our journey of faith.

During the forty days from Ash Wednesday to Easter, the Scriptures guide us along this path, which begins with ashes, a sign of our fragility and mortality, and leads us to the glorification of the Immortal and Risen Body of our Savior.

This journey also passes through renunciation, trial, the suffering of the Cross, and remaining beside Jesus, carrying our own burdens and those of those close to us, giving ourselves with love.

“In fact, through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Letter to the Galatians 2:19–20
Epistle to the Galatians

The same invitation is given to us by our Lord:

“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’”
Gospel according to Matthew 16:24
Gospel of Matthew

Let us ask God the Father for the grace to embrace our daily crosses as an opportunity for spiritual growth, to strengthen our souls and entrust them to the One who, through the Cross, saved humanity for eternity.

Let us intercede for all who suffer in body, mind, and spirit, and for the nations torn apart by war and hunger.

We also pray in a special way for a peaceful resolution of the war in the Middle East, so that all people may live in peace and harmony. May diplomacy prevail over violence, and may dialogue speak louder than missiles. We are all children of God, and no loving Father desires that His children fight against one another.

152nd International Prayer Marathon
With our cross close to Jesus
March 4–5–6, 2026
www.72hoursforjesus.org