Ash Wednesday Reflection (2024)

There’s something comforting about the rhythms of life. For me, Lent has become one of those rhythms that invites me to slow down. I remember who I am: dearly loved but also deeply in need of a Savior. This morning, I came across a prayer that I thought I’d share with you.

You have given all to me.
To You, Lord, I return them.
Everything is Yours.
Do with them what You will.
Give me only Your love and Your grace.
That is enough for me.
Amen.

The last six months have been tough. I’ve been struggling. At moments angry; at others deeply grieved. But constantly wrestling. Wrestling with God. Wresting with the world around me.

Our Father is doing new things and I’m seeing light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel. But I’m not through it yet. And in that darkness, this prayer speaks deeply to me. It reminds me that everything – the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful – are all from my loving Father. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He is enough. His will shall be done.

This prayer not only speaks deeply to me. It is the cry of my heart and soul to God. Today, we remember that we are dust and that to dust we will return. All we have is a gift from Him.

As Lent starts, I invite you to consider joining me. If you’re not familiar with Lent or its practices, it doesn’t have to be rigid or legalistic. Esau McCaulley’s book Lent:: The Season of Repentance and Renewal offers both an introduction to Lent and a reflection on different aspects of it. He grew up in a Primitive Baptist church, so he understands the world and perspective of those from non-liturgical backgrounds. He speaks with grace. He tells us that Lent, and Ash Wednesday in particular, invite us to turn from our comfort with our individual and corporate sin. They invite us to pursue holiness and remember our first love. They aren’t about earning anything, but rather about returning once again to our Savior.

“Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (BCP)