Today is Ash Wednesday, a significant day of prayer and fasting in many Western Christian traditions.
It marks the first day of Lent, the six weeks of penitence and preparation leading up to Easter.
On Ash Wednesday, many Christians begin their Lenten journey by marking a Lenten calendar, committing to daily prayer or a devotional, and making a Lenten sacrifice—something they will refrain from until Easter. This could be giving up certain foods, comforts, or luxuries, or engaging in acts of charity and kindness.
One of the central traditions of Ash Wednesday is attending church services where worshippers receive ashes on their foreheads. These ashes, made from the palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday, serve as a symbol of repentance and mortality, with the words: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
As we enter this Lenten season, it is a time to reflect, to turn our hearts toward God, and to prepare for the renewal and hope that Easter brings.
A Prayer for Ash Wednesday
Gracious God, today begins
a period of inner reflection and examination.
The days stretch before me
and invite me inward to that silent,
holy space that holds your Spirit.
This special time beckons me
to see my life through Christ's eyes
and the truth and reality of your love incarnate.
Give me the grace to enter the space of these days
with anticipation of our meeting. And,
when I open my soul to your presence,
let your loving kindness flow over me
and seep into the pockets of my heart.
I ask this for the sake of your love.
Amen.
The Season of Lent
Lent is a time of reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth for many Christians. Traditionally, it is observed by fasting, giving up certain foods or luxuries, and dedicating time to prayer and Bible reading. For some, this means fasting from meat, fish, or dairy, while others choose to forgo things like chocolate, social media, or other comforts.
Lent lasts 40 days, though the way these days are counted varies between Eastern and Western churches. In Western traditions, Sundays are not included in the count, meaning Lent ends on Holy Saturday. In Eastern churches, Sundays are counted, with Lent concluding on Palm Sunday, the Friday before Easter. The final week of Lent is known as Holy Week, leading up to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
As we embark on this season, may it be a time of drawing closer to God, reflecting on His love, and preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter.
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