Lenten Reflections: Ash Wednesday!

I was wondering what to do for Lent, give up a snack or dessert, give up a TV show, or a website, or what. I was really struggling, until I came up with the idea of a Lenten Daily devotional, it will be a quote and picture for reflection, bible reading and prayer on each day of lent, i will post on my blog. Hopefully everyday for the 45 days of lent. Note today is also Ash Wednesday, and it is a day of fasting 1 large meal, 2 small meals, form ages 18 -59 and abstinence from ages 14 and up. 

Let Today be the Day you Give Up Who You've Been for Who You Can Become.

"When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to you Father who is hidden.And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you. Treasure in Heaven." -Mt 6:16

Tip: As Lent begins, ask God's special guidance in your daily prayers, fasting, and penance during the Lenten Season.

Prayer on Ash Wednesday

Lord, it feels like we are embarking 

on a Lenten journey together, you and I. 

The beautiful words in the today's prayer talk about 

the "quiet remembrance of our need for redemption." 

That feels like what I am looking for - 

or what you are looking for in me. 

I want to remember how much I need you in my life 

and how much my life needs redemption. 

I want to remember it clearly and 

in the background of my day today 

and all through Lent.

On this special day, Ash Wednesday, 

may my small sacrifices in fasting be a way to clear away 

the clutter in my life to see you more clearly. 

May my longing for meat and other food, 

help me to focus my life today more outside myself. 

Let me be aware of those who are in so much more suffering than I am 

and may I be aware of them as the brothers and sisters you have placed in my life.

Lord, I know there is darkness 

within me and around me. 

Bless these days with your Word. 

Let your Light shine in the darkness. 

Help me long for that Light 

until we celebrate it at the Vigil six weeks from now.

And most of all Lord, 

help me to honor this day with the ashes 

on my forehead. 

They help me remember where I have come from 

and where I am going. 

May I acknowledge to you my sins 

and my deep need for your 

loving forgiveness and grace. 

I pray that this Lenten season 

will make me so much more aware 

of how much I need your healing in my life.

Source

Amen.

Ta, Ta for now!