Devotion 19 February 2026

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Psalm 51: 10

READING: Psalm 51: 1-17

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, and in many churches, as in our own, the palm leaf crosses saved from last year’s Palm Sunday were burnt into ashes, which were then marked onto the foreheads of those attending the Ash Wednesday service.

It makes for a powerful symbol, and an unexpected image. Most people do not wash the cross mark off during the day, and it certainly can be a form of witness, making a person stand out, when encountered walking down the street, or in the office or restaurant.

This cross signals for all Western Christians the beginning of Lent; a period of focused self-reflection, mirroring the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness prior to His three year ministry.

The hymn written by Paul Wood and Ian Worsfold describes this aspect of Lent:“… You call us to the wildernessto concentrate the mindon letting go of many thingsthat stifle humankind.”

Lent is thus a time when it is good to be focused on ourselves, to examine our innermost thoughts, identifying those things that really drive our lives. And, where necessary, confess and ask for God to change us. The ancient prayer of St Augustine’s, who converted to Christianity in the year 386, offers us a straightforward, unapologetic image:

“O Lord, the house of my soul is narrow;enlarge it that you may enter in.It is ruinous, O repair it!It displeases Your sight. I confess it, I know.”

But Ash Wednesday is not just about repairing ourselves as individuals. It is also about re-establishing good and balanced relationships with those around us.

The Eastern Christian tradition gives us another ancient Lenten prayer, also from the first century, the Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian, which sounds remarkably apt for our modern day in its call for self-awareness and awareness of our brothers and sisters:

"O Lord and Master of my life, keep from me the spirit of indifference and discouragement, lust for power, and idle chatter. Instead, grant to me, your servant, the spirit of wholeness of being, humble-mindedness, patience, and love. O Lord and King, grant me the grace to be aware of my sins and not to judge my brother; for you are blessed now and ever and forever. Amen."

A modern hymn, written by Jan Berry (Singing the Faith 183), reminds us that in our Lenten journey we are neither alone nor hopeless:

“Praise to the God who waits with usfor hope and joy to reign”.

Prayer

Lord God, in my Lenten wilderness journey, help me to let go of the bad, give me a spirit of wholeness, humility, patience and love. I thank You that You wait with me for hope and joy to reign. In Jesus’ name, Amen