Ash Wednesday Devotion - March 5, 2025

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Ash Wednesday – March 5, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-17

Devotion: Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent—a season of reflection, repentance, and  renewal. In Psalm 51, we hear the vulnerable cry of King David. After confronting his own brokenness, David turns to God with honesty and humility: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." This psalm reminds us that transformation begins when we come to God as we are—flawed, weary, and in need of grace.

We often try to hide our brokenness—from others and even from ourselves. Yet, the beauty of this psalm is the reminder that God meets us in the mess. We don’t need to have everything figured out before we come to God. In fact, it is in our openness that God does the work of restoring us.

As you begin this Lenten journey, take a moment to pause and be honest. What are you carrying that is too heavy? Where do you long to be made whole? God’s mercy is bigger than our mistakes, and the promise of Ash Wednesday is this: Your story isn’t over. God is still working, still restoring, still making beauty from ashes.

Daily Action Steps:

  1. Write down one burden or regret you want to release during Lent. Offer it to God in prayer.
  2. Practice honesty today—whether with yourself, with God, or with someone you trust.
  3. Attend an Ash Wednesday service and receive the ashes as a sign of your commitment to this journey.

Prayer: Creating God, meet me in my broken places. I bring you my struggles and regrets. Make something new within me—restore what is worn down, renew my spirit, and help me trust your love. Amen.

Breath Prayer: (Inhale) Create in me... (Exhale) a clean heart, O God.
Location: 206 East Ave, Monroe, OH 45050, USA

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