Unlike Advent, when so much reminds us that Christmas is approaching, there’s little to put us in a Lenten frame of mind-and-heart each year before Easter. Of a sudden and without warning, you wake up one day and it’s Ash Wednesday! This year, February 14 will be the day for ashes (as well as Valentine hearts and flowers). That’s still a week and a half away – but in anticipation (and for better preparation) I’ll be writing some Here Comes Lent! posts to help us get ready. This is the first.
and its promise of light, warmth
The first day of spring is still six weeks away
but come Feb 14
a springtime of grace will begin
in purple and prayer,
inviting me to new life in you…
Help me remember, Lord, that Lent is spring training
for my mind, heart and soul:
time to strengthen what’s weak
and tone up what’s gone soft;
time to remember things I’ve forgotten,
time to let go what I really don’t need
and to find what I truly need the most…
Help me remember, Lord,
that Lent is the grace of a new beginning:
a time to look within,
a time to ask for your pardon and make amends,
Help me remember, Lord,
that Lent’s a season of your grace:
a time to listen for your voice,
a time to study your Word,
a time to seek your truth and wisdom
a time to live as you call me to live…
Help me remember, Lord,
that Lent’s a time of mercifully generous:
of all I have to give,
to give more and more
of the bounty that’s mine,
a time to tend to my neighbor’s needs,
a time to reach out to the poor,
a time to empty myself for others,
not stopping to count the cost to me…
Lord, I’m longing for the spring to come
help me begin, now, to turn my heart to you
and prepare for Lent,
for this springtime of your grace
in my mind, my heart and soul…
Amen.
