WEDNESDAY, February 22 Ash Wednesday

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21. Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them.

Ash Wednesday is one of the most important days in the Christian year. Whoever decided to establish this day as an occasion for meditation and reflection struck a chord. Who cannot be moved when told, “You are dust”? Listen well: no matter your beauty, your wisdom, your wealth, the fact is that you will end up as dust.

Jesus asks us not to fool ourselves. To be led by people’s opinions is to live superficially. It shows that we are fools. “Piety” for Jews was giving alms and doing other good works. We too are called to live with a genuine spirit of love, not practicing it for everyone to see.

I have always resisted external displays, praying with arms upwards, wearing big crosses around my neck. Yet I have nothing against someone who does it. Maybe it was the spiritual instruction I received as a child to meditate in silence. It is also difficult for me to pray out loud. I think in the silence of the heart. I do not have to choose beautiful words. God hears and sees our hearts.

PRAY for the Diocese of Awka - (The Niger, Nigeria)

Ps 103 or 103:8-14; Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12; 2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10

View the daily Lectionary Readings at http://satucket.com/lectionary/

Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com or Oremus Bible browser.

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Praying

Feb 22, 2012 at 6:10 am

Written by Peter Firth,

I used to be self conscious about praying in public. I don't like to draw attention to myself while praying but as a witness for Christ I think people should see me humbly praying (not for show). I thank God that He hears my prayers in the inner most parts of my heart.

God hears and sees our hearts!

Feb 22, 2012 at 7:35 am

Written by Sam,

I too hold that God hears and sees our hearts. I also feel that He hears our words, and sees our actions as well, and is able to discern whether we are sincere or insincere. Whether we pray silently or aloud, God knows our hearts. We might fool others, we might fool ourselves, but we cannot fool God!

We Anglicans and Episcopalians have been loath to proclaim our faith in public, but surely it is the reason why it may be done that is important: is it in order to be 'seen by others' or because the Spirit moves us? As long as we are sincere in our hearts, we can console ourselves that God sees and knows, and that is more than enough.

In order to be seen by them

Feb 22, 2012 at 8:18 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

I think the warning is in the words, " in order to be seen by them ."
It is helpful for the doubtful to see faith in action, and to see others in prayer; but only if it is sincere and not for display.

-1

Pray Boldly

Feb 22, 2012 at 9:03 am

Written by Chris Fight,

Be brave, pray boldly. Do so without regard for what you look like or who is even looking. And if confronted, show love and defend your faith in the most loving ways you can muster, which might then be silence.

...

Feb 22, 2012 at 9:15 am

Written by jim felix,

i always struggle with lent.

...

Feb 22, 2012 at 9:54 am

Written by E. Linda Cushner,

St. Paul urges us to pray constantly no matter what is happening in our lives. I do this more and more as I get older. No matter what the situation, I try to give it over to my Father in prayer.
Sometimes I am moved, especially in church to lift my hands in worship but not all the time. I do believe that the Holy Spirit instructs us in prayer and He/She knows what is in our hearts.
However how we live our lives and interact with people and the creatures of this earth is the best witness to others not what we wear or how we pray.

The presence

Feb 22, 2012 at 10:30 am

Written by Mary kier,

When I think about prayer for me it is being in constant relationship with God. I recently had a revelation that God is always here, just waiting for me to open my heart and receive him. I find I tend to beckon more when I am in trouble, but a thankful heart leads to many utterances of thanks. This Lent I hope to set aside more time with God through reading and Meditation.

...

Feb 22, 2012 at 11:48 am

Written by Larry Lagrone,

Ash Wednesday Greetings: :)

It really depends on how the Lord is leading me at that time. There are times when I don't even have the words, much less the ability to pray out loud; then there are other times when praying aloud seems the "natural and proper" thing to do.
I must be sure that I'm not praying for show..."When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get" (Matthew 6:5), and at the same time, I must be cautious about not praying aloud simply because I'm concerned about what others will think.
Happy Lent! :)

respond this topic

Feb 22, 2012 at 5:11 pm

Written by CasandraBurgess20,

Do you know that it is high time to receive the personal loans, which can make you dreams real.

-3

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Feb 22, 2012 at 5:16 pm

Written by DoreenBallard33,

If you want to buy a car, you will have to get the home loans. Moreover, my sister all the time uses a short term loan, which supposes to be really reliable.

-3

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