Ash Wednesday reflection

Spring is a season of renewal and many Christians observe Ash Wednesday. In so doing we enter a time of personal and collective renewal. Among the relevant questions for this time are:

  • Who are we?
  • What is the basis of our decisions?
  • How do we treat others?

 

The invitation to examine who we are is an invitation to reflection, introspection and awareness. We may utilize Lent to become more fully aware our unique giftedness and that of others, including our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender sisters and brothers. Each of us may declare,

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.” Psalm 139:14

 

Deciding to live consistent with what we understand to be true, and acting in accord with those truths, is another opportunity available to us in this season. May we love out loud and pursue justice with vigor.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” I Corinthians 16:14

 

Chief among our considerations is the nature and quality of our relationships. Lent provides space to extend ourselves; to be the powerful creation God intended, to stand for others and to bring love, peace and justice into concrete existence.

“Happy are those who observe justice , who do righteousness at all times.” Psalm 106:3

 

May this season reveal the ever-present embrace of God available to all – without exception.

O Creator of us all, we sometimes forget.

We forget that we are not alone,

We forget that you made us,

We forget that we have had help along the way,

We forget to ask for what we need.

 

Embodied Spirit, remind us that we are surrounded.

We are surrounded by the people you have created,

And by the many gifts you have given them to share.

Remind us of our own gifts,

And the ways we may use them in community.

 

Suffering Savior, we confess that in our own struggle to survive,

We have ignored other communities.

We have forgotten that they too have the right to survive.

Make us mindful. Make us compassionate.

Help us to see you in one another.

 

In your most holy name we pray,

Amen.

 


By Reverend Cedric A. Harmon.  Prayer written by Reverend Marc W. Blakesley Copyright@2012 Special Folk Worship Consulting. Used with permission.


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