By: Gabriel Tseng
By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground,
since from it you were taken;
for dust you are and to dust you will return. –Genesis 3:19
Ash Wednesday has traditionally been where we are marked by an ash cross on our foreheads to be reminded that we came from ash and to ash we shall remain. However, in Christ, we have this new life sealed by the Holy Spirit. A combination of two symbols shows outwardly what has happened within. In our being is bound up the very picture of God’s grace poured out as a living sacrifice.
In such a strange way, I realize I live with two feet on two different boats yearning to sail in separate directions. Unsettled yet at home. Saved but yet continuing to struggle with indwelling sin. I am hot and cold and red and blue on the whole spectrum. There are many days when my daily walk is easier and many more that I have found difficult. I have found solace in the permanent nature of the God who does not change even as He conforms me to His own image. May this prayer by John Baillie encourage and focus our eyes towards Christ.
Eternal Father of my soul, let my first thought today be of You, let my first impulse be to worship You, let my first speech be Your name, let my first action be to kneel before You in prayer.
For Your perfect wisdom and perfect goodness:
For the love with which You love mankind:
For the love with which You love me:
For the great and mysterious opportunity of my life:
For the indwelling of Your Spirit in my heart:
For the sevenfold gifts of Your Spirit:
I praise and worship You, O Lord.
Yet let me not, when this morning prayer is said, think my worship ended and spend the day in forgetfulness of You. Rather from these moments of quietness let light go forth, and joy, and power, that will remain with me through all the hours of the day;
Keeping me chaste in thought
Keeping me temperate and truthful in speech
Keeping me faithful and diligent in my work
Keeping me humble in my estimation of myself
Keeping me honorable and generous in my dealing with others
Keeping me loyal to every hallowed memory of the past
Keeping me mindful of my eternal destiny as a child of Yours.
Through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.