A Lenten Collect to Eschew Empty Fame and Praise

Lord Jesus Christ, who sought always to escape the masses even as you served them, keep us from the allure of fame and the praise of the crowd, that we would not spend ourselves for applause that quickly fades but would devote ourselves to a love that is rooted and lasting in your and your children, through you who is one forever with the Father and Holy Spirit in perfect relationship. Amen. ‘Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”‘ – Luke 4:9-12