We don’t often connect prayer with Mardi Gras.  Today it’s celebrated as a fun festival with parades and parties.  But the final day, called Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, has its roots in church history.  It’s the day before Ash Wednesday when Christians traditionally enter a 40 day period of self examination, fasting, prayer and repentance in preparation for Easter.

On Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday, Christians traditionally used up all of the rich foods in their home and then during Lent ate simple meals as they prayerfully prepared for Easter.

If you’d like to pray in the spirit of Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, here’s a prayer for you:

Ash Wednesday Prayer

Fasting and Prayer How To