Ash Wednesday - Turning Towards God

The first day of Lent is “Ash Wednesday.” There are special worship services, reminding us of “the reason for the season,” to borrow an Advent phrase, and ashes are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross. Traditionally, these are ashes of the palm leaves waved on Palm Sunday the year before.

Whether you attend a special service or not, have ashes on your forehead or not, you can still begin your own Lenten journey today or any day. Think of this time as putting ashes on your heart, renewing your pledge to follow the path of Jesus.

During the 4^th century, the Catholic Church (the primary Christian church at the time) set aside this time as a period of fasting. People were expected to repent of their sins. This was not a new idea, as there are examples in the Old Testament.

So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. (Daniel 9:3)

Eventually, as humans have a habit of doing, the original purpose became cloudy and people saw the practice of sacrifice as a way of getting a blessing from God.  Oops, bad idea.

Lent isn’t a wrenching, arduous ordeal, but a time to return to the source of mercy, kindness, and compassion. Our Creator and Savior who loves us awaits us eagerly. Can we turn towards Him?

Prayer for the Beginning of Lent
Jesus, beloved friend, you call us to a season of growth and repentance.
You have high hopes for us;may we not disappoint you.
May we see your face ahead of us, beaming at the end of our Lenten journey.
Give us strength and energy to run toward you during this season.
Give us integrity and generosity in each new challenge.
We ask this of you who live and reign with God the Father 
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.