Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.
In my Ash Wednesday post last year, I shared that growing up in a non-liturgical church, I didn’t understand Ash Wednesday or Lent. Now I appreciate this special season of penitence in preparation for Easter.
Often Christians give up something—a favorite food or activity, for example—for Lent. I am adding something—an extra daily devotion. I will be posting a short Scripture and prayer each day of Lent for my own benefit. I pray you will share these devotions with me.
Father Chip Harper says that evangelicals have a term for what takes place during Lent: revival. May you experience a deepening of your faith and a closer relationship with the Lord during this season.
Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. ~ Matthew 6:1 (ESV)
Heavenly Father, guide me to do my good deeds in secret out of love for You and not to be seen by others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
photo credit: timsamoff