Lent

Driving home from Church this evening after the Ash Wednesday service, I was reflecting on this season with some sadness. Nowadays for most people the disciplines set out for us have been watered down to the idea of giving up something for Lent. I am going to do that, as it is an exercise in self discipline, but I feel we are missing the point. This season is the time to think about our relationship with God, our prayers, our giving and our fasting. All are needed. This is the beginning of our repentance, fasting and abstinence in preparation for Easter. I love this season. Tonight our opening hymn was my absolute favorite, the first verse always brings tears to my eyes.

Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
Forgive our foolish ways!
Re-clothe us in our rightful mind,
In purer lives thy service find
In deeper reverence praise.


What a hymn to commence this Lenten season. It is a very moving service on Ash Wednesday, and people in Church tonight were subdued and seemed thoughtful. Let us hope that we can all

sustain the commitment that we have made before God tonight.


'We came from ashes
and to ashes we will return'.