Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Ash Wednesday Reflection

Ash Wednesday
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When I speak, let it be of blessing and gratitude; let your glory within me shine out to the world!
Psalm 145:21 


A Lenten Prayer

The Lenten season begins. It is a time to be with you, Lord, in a special way, a time to pray, to fast, and thus to follow you on your way to Jerusalem, to Golgotha, and to the final victory over death.

I am still so divided. I truly want to follow you, but I also want to follow my own desires and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, pleasure, power, and influence. Help me to become deaf to these voices and more attentive to your voice, which calls me to choose the narrow road to life.

I know that Lent is going to be a very hard time for me. The choice for your way has to be made every moment of my life. I have to choose thoughts that are your thoughts, words that are your words, and actions that are your actions. There are not times or places without choices. And I know how deeply I resist choosing you.

Please, Lord, be with me at every moment and in every place. Give me the strength and the courage to live this season faithfully, so that, when Easter comes, I will be able to taste with joy the new life that you have prepared for me. Amen.
 
 
Henri's Signature
 
 
 Text excerpt taken from The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey (February 11, 1986) by Henri J.M. Nouwen. Copyright ©1988. Published by Doubleday, New York. Used with kind permission. Psalm 145:21 is from Psalms for Praying: an invitation to wholeness, copyright © 1996 by Nan C. Merrill. Published by Continuum. Photo of Henri Nouwen by Frank Hamilton. Used with kind permission.
 
Book Discussion
 
Join us during Lent as we reflect on Henri Nouwen's Heart Speaks to Heart and Making All Things New. Facilitated by Brynn Lawrence. Everyone is welcome!
READ  *  REFLECT  *  SHARE 
   
Making All Things New
Heart Speaks to Heart
 
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