Prayers
on a theme of Lent
Forty days alone,
a wilderness of thoughts
tempting and inviting thoughts
which could so easily have distracted you
from your task, your mission
your vision.
Yet you emerged, stronger and more attuned
to all that had to be done
despite a time constraint
that to our eyes would have seemed hopeless.
We too live in stressful times.
Demands are made of our time
that leave so little
for the important things of life.
We are easily distracted
in the wilderness of our lives
by every call to go this way or that
to turn stone to bread
leap from mountains
and do all that would keep us from the truth.
We listen to the voices of this world
and ignore the one who endured all this
and so much more
and emerged triumphant
that we might not have to suffer so.
Forgive us, Father
when we get distracted from our task
Forgive us those times when we try
to be all things to all men
and fail to be anything to anyone
It is customary, Lord
to give something up
during the season of Lent
What would you have me do without?
I who have so much
Chocolate?
Cream cakes?
Cigarettes?
Sweets?
Swearing?
The list is endless
and I could give up all those things
for the span of 40 days
quite easily and almost painlessly
But what difference would it make
other than making me feel 'holier'
that my friend who makes no such sacrifice
What would you have me do without?
I who have so much
Selfishness?
Conceit?
Envy?
Pride?
I fear before I ask
that the answer might be 'yes'
and the giving up
would be all too real, Lord
it would be difficult
painful
sacrificial
a real cross to carry for 40 days
and more?
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