And now it is Lent 2022
How did that happen? I don't know - but here we are. The rest of 2021 went by. Naomi grew up. She is walking talking, charming us all. Everyone has done their growing. Even Mike and I. The pandemic went on and inflicted wounds on relationships that I would like to forget, honestly. As we enter Lent, I have so many things I want to pray about, and one of those is the healing of relationships that were wounded during the past two years. How about you? Have you suffered as I have as a result of the the intensity of the way the world has changed during humanities' brush with plague?
It hasn't all been bad. Mike has been able to work from home. It is going to be permanent. Without the pandemic, I don't think it would have been possible - and for that, I will always be grateful. We know that we are coming out of the worst of it. Yet the world has changed and so many things have been revealed. And now the world is onto a new threat. Just more things to worry about. Yet, we know as Christians that we are not called to worry. We are called to not be afraid! How easily I forget this, even though I am in church every Sunday and I spend every day in prayer, every single day! Yet still I struggle daily to keep my fears under control.
So, I clearly need Lent so much. There is also change on the horizon that needs to be kept in mind....
Lent 2022. It will be a difficult one, for a number of reasons, but one worth the work of introversion and prayer. For wounds of the recent past. For the change that is coming.
Please pray for me and I will pray for you.
Prayer of St. Ephrem
O Lord and Master of my life,Spare me from the spirit of apathy and meddling,Of idle chatter and love of power.Instead, grant to me, Your servant,The spirit of integrity and humility,Of patience and love.Yes, O Lord and God,Grant me the grace to be aware of my sinsAnd not to judge others,For You are blessed,Now and forever. -Amen
Oh God, be merciful to me a sinner.
Oh God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me
Oh Lord forgive me for I have sinned without number.
Prayer can be found Here