St. Nicolai Notes

Prayer for Ash Wednesday - Lent - Day 1 - February 17, 2021
Sermon Text: Psalm 51

     God our Creator and Covenant-maker, enable us to cry out to You in our guilt and grief. Enable us to speak the truth about ourselves, to admit that we have sinned against You, but also to recognize the harm that we have done to others through our wanton and careless acts.

     We would prefer to avoid the truth about our sinfulness, because that makes it easier for us to deny that we need You, and easier to deny that our lives are inextricably linked to the lives of many other people. Help us to see and acknowledge the truth even when that is painful for us.

     Have mercy! Forgive us for our sins against You.

     Have mercy! Forgive us for the harm we have done to our neighbors.

     Have mercy! Forgive us for thinking that we can create our own way in the world, by our own means, without reference to and dependence upon You.

     Keep us close to You! Fill us with your Spirit! Heal us! Enable us to worship and serve You with joy! Amen.

Note: I don't have a plan for a particular series of prayers for this Lenten season. If you utilize this prayer, pray also that God will touch my mind and guide my writing in the days ahead. Peace to each of you!