Fears and Tears

Today is Ash Wednesday, a day of abstinence, a day of prayer; it is a day to turn back to the Lord. It is a time to realize our dependence on God. Pope Francis has asked the world to unite in prayer and fasting today for peace in the world, especially in Eastern Europe. “I would like to appeal to everyone, believers and non-believers alike. Jesus taught us that the diabolical evil of violence is answered with the weapons of God, with prayer and fasting…May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.” Pope Francis 2/23/22

Lord, I pray today in a special way, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, united with all the prayers in the world, for the protection of all people in harms way and a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.

Lord, I pray for the conversion of my heart, an increase in my prayer, and the grace to fast. Lord, as I follow you deeper into the desert, in this 40 days of Lent, I long to be with You, as you reveal Yourself to me. I let go of anything that leads me away from You and begin the journey with You. I pray this in Your mighty name, Jesus. Amen.

Even now, says the LORD, 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. JL 2:12-13