A Concord Pastor Comments: Pause for Prayer: SUNDAY 2/23

Unlike Advent when so much reminds us that Christmas is approaching, there's little around to put us in a Lenten frame of mind and heart in preparation for Easter. Suddenly, on a Sunday, you'll hear that Ash Wednesday is 3 days away - just what you'll hear on this weekend! So, let's Pause for Prayer to help us prepare for Lent which prepares us to celebrate Easter...

In February's chill, Lord, I'm longing for the spring
with its promise of light and new life...

The first day of spring is weeks away
but come this Wednesday
a springtime of grace will begin
with purple, prayer and ashes.
all inviting me to new life in you...

Help me remember, Lord,
that Lent is spring training
for my mind, my heart and my soul:
time to strengthen what's now weak
and tone up what's gone soft,
time to remember what I've forgotten,
to let go what I don't need
and to find what I need the most...

Help me remember, Lord,
that Lent's a new beginning: a time for taking stock,
to look within,
to be honest about my failings,
a time to ask for your pardon
and make up for my sins,
a time, a season, to set things right with you
and with anyone I have hurt or offended...

Help me remember, Lord,
that Lent's a season of your grace: a time to speak to you in prayer,
to listen for your voice,
to study your Word,
a time to seek your truth and wisdom
a time to live as you command...

Help me remember, Lord,
that Lent's a time of mercy:

a time for me to give more freely

of all I have to give,
to give more generously
of the bounty that's mine,
a time for me to tend my neighbor's needs,
a time to reach out to the poor,
a time to empty out myself for others,
not stopping to count the cost to me...

Lord, I'm longing for the spring to come
with its promise of light and new life:
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.