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     My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashesJob 42:5-6

     Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sinPsalm 51:1-2

     He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healedIsa. 53:5

     Dear heavenly Father, on this Ash Wednesday, accepting my mortality, and acknowledging my need, has never been easier, more life-giving, and freeing. For you resist the proud and give grace to the humble, and I relish, and want, all the grace you freely give us in Jesus. I gladly humble myself today.

It was “according to your unfailing love” and “great compassion,” that you completely blotted out my transgressions, for I have no other appeal or hope. Now I trust only, and fully, in the finished work of Jesus for the “washing and cleansing” from all my sins. I have peace with you, only because Jesus took the punishment I deserve.

Father, during the entire season of Lent, intensify my awe of Jesus’ cross, that I might genuinely repent of the ways I continue to under-believe the gospel, run to broken cisterns, and love poorly.

It’s only because of my standing in Christ, that I can fall on my face before you—deeply convicted of my sin, but without the burden of my guilt. It’s only because you’ve declared me righteous in your sight, that I declare myself needful of your grace—to change me, heal me, and free me.

It’s only because I’m certain you’ll complete the work you began in us, that I gladly submit to the present work of your Spirit in me. O, for the Day when we’ll be as lovely and as loving as Jesus. Hasten that Day, Lord; hasten that Day. Until then, make me more humble, grateful, and generous. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ trustworthy and worship-worthy name.

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