Daily Prayer ©2005

Cross of Ashes
by Christine Weerts

Lenten Devotions for 2005
© 2005 Int'l LLL

See also:

• Part 1 - February 9-12
• Part 2 - February 13-19
  
• Part 4 - February 27-March 5
• Part 5 - March 6-12
• Part 6 - March 13-19
• Part 7 - March 20-26
• Part 8 - March 27

Introduction

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire."
- Hebrews 12:28-29

I was at home reading one quiet spring evening when I heard the too-familiar wail, starting with a low moan and rising up the scale into a blare: the siren calling volunteer firefighters. Immediately I prayed that no one would be hurt in the fire that was surely striking a home in our part of town.

We lived in the poor section of a small Southern community. Every family we knew—over 70 we lived and worked with each day—had been touched by fire at some time in their lives. In my childhood suburban neighborhood in the Midwest, I never knew anyone whose house had burned. Yet here fires were part of life. It was disheartening that so many who had so little lost everything in the all-too-common fire. It was the face of poverty, substandard housing with bad wiring. Despite the violence fires wreaked in our community, people always reacted the same: "We are so thankful no one was hurt. Things are not so important."

This is a key message for Lent—to hold lightly the things of the world. We ask God, our consuming fire, to burn off the dross—those things that get in the way of our spiritual growth—and to send the Holy Spirit to deepen our commitment to Him. May the ashes we wear this season come from God's fire, burning away sin through Jesus Christ's holy sacrifice, and creating in its place a burning passion for our loving Lord.

Christine Weerts

Go to Daily Meditations
(Bible readings, commentary & prayer starters for each day)

Send Your Thoughts and Feedback

Browse the Archives