Ash Wednesday

Audio for today's Devotion:

Today is 5th of March and Ash Wednesday. As we begin this season of Lent, let us recommit ourselves to the daily disciplines that sustains and grow our Christian walk, such as prayer, bible reading, fasting, silence, meditation, fasting and serving others.

The Psalm reading for this morning is Psalm 38. Feel free to click on the link (below) to read the entire Psalm. Reading verses one and two:

1 O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath!

2 For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has come down on me.

Prayer: Lord, we know that You discipline those you love. Only do so, in your grace and mercy, that the conviction and awareness of our failings may lead us to repentance and renew our love for You. Amen.

The New Testament reading for today is 1 Timothy 6:6-19. You can click on the link to read the full passage. Reading verses 6 to 10:

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Reflection: The lack of contentment or greed often lead us astray. In craving for more, we end up with less. We fall into the errors of our ways, piercing ourselves with many pangs. We hurt ourselves and those we love. In contrast, God's Word for today reminds us that contentment will lead to great gain. If we learn to love and follow Jesus, it will help us to have the right attitude towards material wealth.

Let us pray:

Father, during this season of Lent, teach us what it means to be a follower of Christ. We want to recognise your presence in our daily lives. As we embark on this daily prayer together, help us all to build up this discipline. In today’s world, we face the lures and temptations of wealth in many forms. Teach us to follow You closely, and in so doing, keep our hearts from the love of wealth. During this season, help us to find ways to be generous and serve You and others, especially those who are needy.

In the name of Christ, Amen.

We end with the collect for Ash Wed. Traditionally, this penitential collect is regularly said in Lent.

Almighty and everlasting God,

you hate nothing that you have made

and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:

create and make in us new and contrite hearts

that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness,

may receive from you, the God of all mercy,

perfect remission and forgiveness;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,