Our life did commence
with a handful of dust,
and to that beautiful earth
return we must.
Today, let us begin again
marked by these ashes;
a symbol of God’s
loving compassion.
Signed by a cross,
you are sent to share
this gift with others
through sacrifice,
offering,
and prayer.
In sacrifice, when hungry body
longs for its eat,
pray for those that tomorrow
will still yearn for wheat.
Offering, a gift
of time, talent, or token
silently kissed by Him
and given forth unspoken.
Prayer, lifted statement
of eternal thanksgiving
to the one who died
so sins would be forgiven.
This gift from God
beginning once more
cleansed by dust,
we are returned to before.
Whether you need newness
in mind, body, or soul,
we are given His hand;
following His son,
accompanied, we now stroll.
So prepare yourself to
rise new on the Lord's day;
by following His shadow,
He carries your burden
along The Way.
Before you begin your day:
What are you offering to the Lord today? Does it burden you? How? Is it hard to let go? Allow the letting go to require His help. Think about the significance of this item(s) to you? To The Lord? How will your life change by its absence? Plan to fill its void with sacrifice, offering, and/or prayer. Write down one of these words, whichever you feel drawn to, on a piece of paper. Next to your word, choose one or two from the poem that offer comfort. Spend a few quite minutes with The Lord. Carry the paper with you today.
During your day:
Read Tobit 4: 7-8; Joel 2: 12-13; Matthew 6: 1-6; Matthew 6: 16-18
Throughout your day:
INHALE: Marked by Ashes...
EXHALE: I offer ________________________________ to You.
(repeat as many times as needed)
Before you end your day:
Blessed Lord, thank you for today. Help me to understand the significance of the sacrifice I now release into your hands. Come to my aid in times of temptation. Help me to perceive the beauty of letting go. Transform my deficiency into prayer, my excess into fasting, and my unnecessary into offering. Saturate this space I lend to sacrifice with You. Amen.
Goodnight; sleep well; know you are blessed.