Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Dear God,

Ash Wednesday, the holy day we are called to draw closer, to surrender, and to grow our faith, is a wondrous day indeed.  It gives us opportunity to pause where we are so we might become more aware of you.  Tonight we will receive the cross of Christ in ashes.  Tomorrow we will wash it off.  But we are reminded we carry that cross every day because we are yours.

For forty days we will walk with greater awareness of our faith.  We will think, reflect, give thanks, pray, and forgive.  We will repent, say, I am sorry, and start anew.  We will look at ourselves, the whole of ourselves, and attempt to see what you see.  You will show us the truth of ourselves and give us time to change, turn the corner, and take the path that leads us home.

Father,
make us ready
for the journey
of Lent.
Take us,
take me
to heights
and valleys
of faith.
Prepare us,
prepare me
to meet you
once again
on Maundy Thursday,
Good Friday,
and Resurrection Sunday.
Blessed be your name.

Love, Andrea