Lent begins mid-week, on a day traditionally called Ash Wednesday. This self-guided reflection is one way to thoughtfully mark the start of the Lenten season. There is no expiration date on this experience. If you are unable to do this on Wednesday, you are welcome to set aside time on a different day to reflect and pray.
You'll need your Bible, a journal or paper, and a pen or pencil.
Sit in silence for a moment to quiet yourself and settle your thoughts.
The writers of the Psalms used the word Selah to indicate moments when worshipers should pause and sit with a thought or prayer before continuing. As you progress through this devotional guide, when you see Selah, stop. Take time to consider what the Lord is revealing to you. Write down what you are thinking about, questions that come to mind, or perhaps copy a passage that has arrested your attention.
Begin by praying from Psalm 51:
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Amen."
Ashes have symbolized mortality and penitence ever since Adam and Eve stepped from the Garden of Eden into the reality of a fallen world, and God told Adam, 'you are dust, and to dust you will return." - Gen. 3:19
Later, when Abraham spoke with God about the people of Sodom, he described himself as, "nothing but dust and ashes." - Gen. 18:27. And Job, in his suffering cried:
Ashes - dry, fine powder - can disperse in the wind without a trace. But anyone who has handled a charred stick from the edge of a campfire, or reached up into a chimney to open a fireplace flue knows that contact with ashes leaves an indelible mark. In Israel's history, in times of deep grief or repentance, people immersed themselves in ashes, pouring them over their heads, sitting, or even lying down in soot. It was a sign of submission and humility that persisted beyond the initial act, the stubborn smudges and streaks serving as lasting reminders.
Selah.
The One who created the dust, and us from it, is the Redeemer and Restorer. Open your Bible to Isaiah 61:1-3, and read the Good News that Jesus Christ proclaimed about Himself. He read this passage in the synagogue and declared, "today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." - Luke 4:21.
Consider this question:
What burdens, worries, griefs, or sins am I carrying?
Selah.
Turn in your Bible to the book of Joel. Read Joel 2:12-13.
Now hear the invitation of Jesus, as you read His words recorded in Matthew 11:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Selah.
Because the Lord is, "faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness," (1 John 1:9) He bids you to confess your sins to Him now.
And because He is gentle and desires to give us rest, He bids you to give Him your burdens, concerns and griefs now.
Selah.
Ask the Lord to use the season of Lent to deepen your walk with Him as you let these lyrics wash over your soul. Hear the invitation of the Scriptures you've read:
Lent stretches from Ash Wednesday through Easter. Information and suggestions regarding fasting, prayer, and giving during this season are available at this link:
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