Link #309 - ASH WEDNESDAY

Greetings in the name of Jesus.

The evangelical Church in Canada has not traditionally placed a great deal of emphasis on this day; however, I’m grateful for those from other traditions who have taught me much about lent. This season is focused on preparing our hearts for all the wonder of Easter. Lent begins today and goes for the next 40 days leading up to Holy Thursday (the day before Good Friday). There are many different ways that people observe these days most commonly with prayer and fasting. Today (Ash Wednesday) is a day set aside to acknowledge our sin. The climax of this journey will be on Easter morning when we celebrate the victory over sin we have in Jesus.

I’d like to encourage you to make the most of this season. Start preparing your heart for the wonder of Easter. In these days of lent look for ways you can make more room in your life for God. For some it is prayer and fasting, bible reading, stillness, service, giving. Much of lent is about “de-cluttering” your life from anything that distracts you from God (eg. youtube, social media, etc). This morning as the beginning of my season of lent I prayed a prayer from Psalm 139:23-24.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Amen)