Prayer Takes You Deeper

~~~ Ash Wednesday ~~~

~~~ Joel 2:12-18 ~~~ Psalm 51 ~~~ 

~~~ 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2 ~~~ Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 ~~~

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

The Lenten message is always to turn away from sin.
We are further reminded to return to the gospel.
Returning to the gospel is not about carrying
around the Bible for forty days.

If we were to physically pack our Bible on our backs every day,
maybe we would be more cognizant of how we should be living.

...return to me with your whole heart..

You cannot hold back part of your heart for the world.
Jesus wants us to return to him in body, mind, and soul.

We must be willing to leave behind
that which does not bring us closer to the heart of God.

‘Where is their God?’

It is our responsibility to make sure that no one
 who looks at us would ask this question.
If our life does not reflect our God,
now is the acceptable time.
Make some changes today.

Cast me not out from your presence...

We humbly approach the throne of mercy.
We trust that we will not be turned away from his presence.

Give me back the joy of your salvation,

and a willing spirit sustain in me.

Lent is not about doom and gloom...
Lent is about the humble joy in our great gift of salvation.

Lent is about having a firm commitment
to stay the course even in the face of setbacks.

...we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

God makes his grace available to us as we search our hearts.
His grace gives us the clear vision to see how
we can render change in our heart.

Do not miss this awesome opportunity
 to receive his special grace of repentance.

...when you pray, go to your inner room,

close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.

Set aside quiet time during this Lent...
spend some alone time with God.

Maybe it means getting up a few minutes early.
Maybe it means attending daily Mass at least once a week.
Maybe it means coming to Adoration for some
intimate time alone with Jesus.

Come to pray when no one knows you are praying.
Pray in your car...
Pray when you are running errands...
Pray when you are cooking and cleaning.

It is vital for the health of your soul
 to spend time in prayer each day.

Lent is the perfect time...begin a new habit of prayer.

Deepen the prayer life you already have established.

We can always go deeper with God.

Forty Days
Blessings in repentance and change.

Mercy reaches down to touch your soul.

~~~Peace~~~

The 40 Day Marketing Campaign

~~~Joel 2: 12-18 ~~~ Psalm 51 ~~~ 2Cor. 5: 20-6:2 ~~~ Matt. 6: 1-6, 16-18 ~~~

"Between the porch and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep..."

Today begins Christianity's intense marketing campaign held every year at this time. This campaign will only last for 40 days...it is called Lent. In order to let the world know you are participating in and supportive of this annual event we ask that you come forward to be marked with ashes. This marking of the cross with ashes high upon your forehead is visible for all to view. In fact this is a temporary branding signifying that you willingly agree to share.

 Just for today as we begin this time together we ask you to tell the whole world by this action of being marked with the cross...the time is now.
The permanent branding for a Christian is both the crucifix and the crown of thorns. They are, each one, quickly identified with our salvation.

In order to believe in this salvation the prophet Joel offers us a few guidelines.
"...return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God."

The anointed ministers are urged to offer additional prayers an our behalf even to the point of weeping. Intervening before God for us, each of us, not only those in most need due to grave sin, but me and you.

The prophet taps into our human emotions of compassion for our sisters and brothers. Weeping implies a deeper emotional content; it is not only reciting prayers.

The salvation marketing campaign continues with Psalm 51.
"...wipe out my offense...wash me from guilt...cleanse me...
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me."
And finally, "...a willing spirit sustain in me."

A marketing campaign is only successful if people respond. We, the people, have to take some action. That is what a good campaign does, it moves people to take action. Effective marketing campaigns make the listener or observer believe he or she cannot live without the intended product.

With that in mind we are given Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, "We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." Take action. Do not wait. "...now is a very acceptable time...now is the day of salvation."
Here we are poked with some high pressure sales tactics. You know the drill...this offer is only good until...act before midnight...the price is increasing tomorrow...this offer will never again be made.

The church chose one more person to present the salvation message today and that is with the gospel of Mark. Mark says, 'oh and by the way if you choose to accept this message for your salvation' there is more you need to know. We know that if you accept and agree to take action on your own behalf, it will require time spent in prayer and fasting.

This wonder of salvation comes with a few strings attached...and those would be sacrifices. No one can really make sacrifices in your place. You are the one who must your cross.

Prayer is the most important way to draw strength. Through the power of prayer you are able to make  the necessary sacrifices. Through the power of prayer you can carry your cross.

"But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your father in secret."

While the priests and ministers are on the porch praying and weeping for us we in turn must go to our inner room, behind closed doors to pray. During these next 40 days sequester yourself away for personal prayer and fasting. Do this in secret without boasting about how you have bought in to this life saving marketing campaign. Let your prayers rise like incense to the father in heaven.

This is your life.
This is your salvation.
The time really is now.
The crucifix logo is for you.

Pray to your father in heaven like you have never prayed before; start today. Do not wait!

Let the burned ashes of today create your clean heart of tomorow.

Original photo taken of incense rising at the foot of the cross.

This kaleidoscope image to me reflects leaving the colorful busy outside world;

entering into the inner prayer room.

May this season of Lent bring you ever closer to Our Lord.

May your truly rise like incense upward to the Father.