O Jesus Christ, from thee began this healing for the soul of man, by fasting sought, by fasting found, through forty days of yearly round; That he who fell from high delight, borne down to sensual appetite, by dint of stern control may rise to climb the hills of paradise. Therefore, behold thy Church, O Lord, and grace of penitence accord to all who seek with generous tears renewal of their wasted years. Forgive the sin that we have done, forgive the course that we have run, and show henceforth in evil day thyself our succor and our stay. But now let every heart prepare, by sacrifice of fast and prayer, to keep with joy magnifical the solemn Easter festival. Father and Son and Spirit blest, to thee be every prayer addressed, who art in threefold Name adored, from age to age, the only Lord.