Ash Wednesday 2022

On this Ash Wednesday, after Transfiguration Sunday, may we hear the Father say, “This is my son...listen to him” (Luke 9.35). Jesus, the Word, is always speaking to us. I pray that we may pay attention to how Jesus wants us to grow in grace.

In our face-paced and noisy world it takes a concerted effort to listen to Jesus. Last Sunday I suggested we ‘give up for Lent’ 15 minutes a week of social media/news consumption. And replace that time with extra prayer, Bible reading, and/or worship.

We listen to Jesus because we know and continue to affirm that we can trust him. “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5.5). God himself is our hope, we are banking on his character. We trust him to speak to us.

Consider this prayer for Lent:

          Lord God,
          in this world where goodness and evil
          continue to clash with each other,
          instill in us, and all your people,
          discernment to see what is right;
          and courage to do what is right.

          Keep us aware of the subtlety of sin,
          and preserve us, body, mind, and soul,
          through the power of your Holy Spirit.
          Amen