I stood on the street corner this time last year, at the intersection of 5th and Main—head bowed, backpack on, tears streaming down my face.
Minutes earlier I was walking from my car to my favorite coffee shop with plans for a productive Wednesday morning, when I noticed two priests up ahead of me (a site which would have been normal in my Chicago days, but was a first for me in little Franklin, Tennessee). The priests were from the Episcopal church about a block away. One was holding a small bowl of ashes from the burnt palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday service, and the other held a small stack of papers in his hands. I greeted them and they greeted me, and they explained why they were there:
“We know not everyone can make it to an early morning Ash Wednesday service, so we’re meeting them here, in the middle of their lives, because we believe that’s exactly where Jesus meets us.”
They asked me if they could pray for me. Yes, please do.
One priest gave me one of his papers and I followed along with an Ash Wednesday prayer on the page as he prayed it over me:
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wickedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
We exchanged a few quiet words, then with his thumb he solemnly smudged an ashen cross on my forehead, saying, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
I was stopped in my tracks. Tears flowed while traffic carried on in the background, and I stood in stillness with my God and wept for the sins that separated me from Christ.
At the age of 31, it was the first time I’d observed Ash Wednesday in this traditionally Roman Catholic way. What had once seemed ritualistic to this protestant girl became a vehicle the Holy Spirit used to bring me to repent and believe anew.
This is Lent. It’s a time to stop—wherever we’re going and whatever we’re coming from. Whether we’ve been anticipating this season since Christmas, or it’s stopping us cold on our way to where we think we need to be—here we are.
Lent is a pause button. It is a quiet unlike any other time of year. Lent is a season to close our eyes as the busy world buzzes around us, to consider those things we’d much rather forget: our sin and our humanity. We came from dust, and to dust we will return.
Have you ever heard the phrase “suppressing alleluia”? I hadn’t until just this year. (See? We get to learn new things, even as adults!) It was a practice introduced somewhere around the 7th or 8th century where congregants would sing the liturgical “Alleluia” loudly on the day before Ash Wednesday, then put the joyful word aside until Easter. The suppression of “Alleluia” was thought to increase the anticipation of Easter Sunday and the excitement of proclaiming Christ’s resurrection from the dead. It’s another one of those rituals, like ashen crosses on our foreheads, that feels like a tangible act of an inward posture.
Let’s be honest: rituals are attractive. We are people who love visuals and search for tangible acts that allow us to experience God. But what these rituals are not is measurable. Bearing ashes or avoiding words will not purge us of our sins. These acts alone will not draw us nearer to God. But oftentimes Church traditions—when we understand their origin and the intent behind them—can serve as tools to remind us of the very real reality of the Gospel in our lives.
Whether you carry the ashen cross on your forehead or not, know that Ash Wednesday is for remembering our sin and humanity—for reflecting on our fallen state and our gaping need for a Savior. Let today stop you in your tracks to “lament and acknowledge your wickedness”, knowing that the King of Alleluias has already done all that needs to be done to grant you “perfect remission and forgiveness.”
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460 thoughts on "Suppressing Alleluia"
I am starting this reading plan in late December but it is something I really needed. Jumped out to me that this is the one I need to start with. a good cleansing of my sins and to get myself truly right with God. I learned a lot about myself through the scriptures especially about my mouth. that is the biggest problem area for me. God spoke to me through that. I must correct the venom I speak from my lips and the deceit from my tongue. the mouth speaks bitterness. it also speaks about gossip because Laban’s sons were overheard by Jacob speaking bad about Jacob.
Here I am starting this reading plan in mid November, but I’m actually excited to be doing this study leading up to Christmas. I hope it helps me to draw deeper connections and view the coming of Christ in a new light.
Although we are no where near lent this study drew me in on September 1, 2019.
This year has been real hard. It’s made me hard and I’m very aware of my sinful heart. I’m struggling to understand and trust that God’s grace and mercy is for me. I’m praying that entering Into my own season of Lent will draw me closer to him.
I know I am past the season of lent, however right night now this couldn’t fit more. I have been a Christian for years but have never fully focused on building that.. relationship. Like all relationships if they aren’t nurtured they can’t. grow. I have allowed Satan to use that to convince me of my unworthiness. I need to draw closer to the One who saved me. Praying that I can build the relationship with Christ that I long for.
I’m encouraging the women of my church to use this plan for their Lenten reading this year. What a powerful day one. My repentant, grateful heart thanks you. Thank you, SRT.
I’m beginning my lent study a little early this year. I felt drawn to find a good women’s study to do this year. This is a great read and I’m looking forward to the coming days of the study. I’m praying this study will help draw me closer to Christ and prepare me for Easter.
My first time to download, read and use this app I LOVE it. Thank you! I was, I must admit a little discouraged when I saw I had to purchase Devos but gave it a try because, I believe in new things after all :-) so I haphazardly chose a Devos and omg I was so moved by the writings and words. I’m so thankful I listened to God telling to download THIS one. It’s right for this time in my life.
Thank you.
this is such a great and humbling reminder. for God does not nor ever has needed us, people at all. yet he still gave up his life, public humility to remind us of how much we need a savior. thank you Jesus
After reading this passage I can visualize God with arms outstretched offering us the free gift of salvation, forgiveness, freedom. All He wants is for us to reach out and accept the sacrifice He made for us.
Oh Heavenly Father, Thank you for your love, mercy & grace that is new everyday. Lord, I humble myself before you to ask for forgiveness for my sins. In Jesus name ~Amen
Great bible study! God forgive me for my sins! Thank Him for saving us from ourselves! He’s so merciful to us all! I’m so grateful for His Grace!!!!!
Oh God, please forgive me for my sins. I return to them time and time again seeking relief and finding only heartache and shame. I have messed up over and over…yet You made provision for me through Jesus. Through grace, I have been saved. Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for me to heal me and set me free. I am able to approach the throne of God myself because You took on my sins. Please deliver me from these thoughts and impulses…You are able to do more than I could ever ask for. Thank you for this app that has been created to meet us where we are in life. You are a good good God. Please bless the creators and give them the wisdom they need to go forward.
In Your name and in faith I say Amen.
I used to be really bothered with the rituals and traditions my home church practiced. Mainly bc I was an angsty PK but also because it felt people where so caught up in the display. I now know that I didn’t have a deep enough understanding. I’m so excited to continue this series.
I love this admission. It’s amazing when you see things differently after only seeing them one way for so long.
Great devotional.
Amen.
Looking forward to sharing lent in a whole new way this year <3
Good devotion
Amen. Even though Christmas is approaching, this Lenten message aligned well with Advent for me. It helps me acknowledge my sinfulness and need for the Savior. It reminds me of the hope, love, joy and peace that can only be found in Christ. Alleluia!
I could not have stumbled across this new app at a more perfect time in life! Thank you Jesus for knowing what I needed and providing at the right season. Repentance is the perfect place to start.
Just reminds us that God is always there for and always will be there for us we just have to put trust an faith in him
This is a great devo!
I loved this. Praise God for His faithfulness and meeting us where we are at but not leaving us there.
Who did you put a pic of you
I love thiss
Awesome!
Very inspiring!
Very good!
There is so much peace in this daily portion of the whole devotion. I’ve been struggling so much with lust, selfishness, but most importantly with wanting nothing to do with God himself. I struggle with constantly doubting my salvation, fearing the rapture, and thinking back on sins… after doing them time and time again still. I loved the phrase “remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
It makes me think on my own struggles.. I look on them as rituals that aren’t pleasing to God. I try to experience Christ in all I do, but I wonder if I’m even doing it for the right reason. I love Jesus, genuinely. My heart cries for him..but my body and mind tells me to not. I just want to live the true reality of the Gospel and as a Child of the one true king.
I feel the same! I have “prayed the prayer” countless times in fear that the last time wasn’t good enough.
My pastor just preached on this… Ecclesiastes such a good book
Wow. This is exactly how I’m feeling. It’s nice to know that I’m not alone in the struggle to remain devoted and wanting of The Lord. I even go to a Bible College and it’s still not easy to stay focused. My heart wants to focus solely on God, but my mind and body seem to have other plans. Often times, it makes me doubt my salvation, even though I know and have tasted of the saving grace of Christ. Thank you for your openness and honesty. It truly has made a difference to me.
Thank you for being so transparent and real! It is so good to hear that I am not alone in my struggles. May you continue to draw near to the Lord
I was just looking back at this post and the comments. I struggled with assurance of my salvation this past couple of years, and wanted to encourage you thst I’m praying for you as a fellow struggler! You can cry out to Him for the assurance He wants us to have, though I know it comes in a different way and time than what we might expect, so if you don’t see and answer how or when you want one, just ask Him to give you trust in Him and His ways and timing. ❤️ It’s not about the strength of your faith or prayer, but the immutable strength and promise of the One to Whom you are praying. It’s great to seek assurance, but I found that shifting my gaze and goal to seeking Jesus Himself was more helpful, and I believe a growing assurance (though slowly and over time) comes as we fix our eyes on Him instead of our salvation in and of itself. After all, He is our salvation! ❤️ After all, the goal of salvation is not assurance alone, but to know Jesus and be like Him, and He wants that for you! I’m praying for you!! ❤️❤️❤️ You are never ever alone.
Thank you
I like what this says about rituals. I think a lot of times we are afraid to do rituals because we don’t want to go through the motions or feel superficial. However, if we focus on the intent of the ritual, we can remember key things (ie our humanity) and grow closer to God through them. The rituals themselves are not important, it is the idea behind them. Good reminder.
Love this! Catholicism + Protestantism are two polar opposites. Regardless of the opinions on both, there are aspects of both that everyone can learn from.
It is personal experiences like these with other brothers and sisters that the Lord blesses us with occasionally to draw us closer to Him and teach us a lesson.
Blessed that shereadstruth was able to share this uplifting story with me + everyone else.
God bless y’all! Thanks for the UPLIFTING word!
I loved that too
Great post! So happy to see all these comments. Being a busy student isn’t easy in this world full of sin. Thanks to this wonderful app, hope it’s helping me the way up to the Lord. X
Greatttt Day 1 post. I look forward to the rest !
Can you all please pray for me? I’ve been going through some hard things with myself. 2yrs ago I’ve been addicted to doing something (not drugs) but it’s been hard and I try to stop but I just keep being reminded of my past and it continues to haunt me. if I could be kept in your prayers that would be amazing. God Bless all❤️
I will pray for you Lori ❤️
Totally can relate. You’re in my prayers for sure :)
Praying for you right now!
Wow first time reading and it’s just what I need to hear.
All of a sudden I’ve felt Frozen. Almost afraid to do anything because I didn’t want to do the wrong thing. Feeling like I’m not good enough for God and all I could see were my mistakes. Thankful for a forgiving God who has such a big love for me, loves me so much that He takes my burdens and His Grace lifts me up again. Moving forward and accepting the fresh start and r
Hey Brittney! He definitely does care for you and His grace is sufficient for you! I have struggled with similar feelings before so I know what you’re going through! ;) Something that has really helped me is reading the book “Graceful” by Emily P. Freeman. She also has another book called “Grace for the Good Girl” and both books are all about God’s grace and breaking out of the pressured, disciplined life and into His loving grace. And if books aren’t your thing, she has videos online that are also great tools. (Just search for “Letting go of the try hard life” and it should show up.) I will be praying for you as you go through this time that you will know that His love reaches you right where you are and He loves you even in the imperfections. I will pray that you would truly witness His grace and know that He is enough. I am reminded of 2 Cor. 12:9, “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'” He’s got you in His arms and He loves you right where you are, girl! And He’s going to work in you to do amazing things through His power.
Finally getting back on track with my walk, coming out of a difficult season and so excited for the fresh starts God gives us.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WEt1eWbCW5g watch this video. Nit even kidding
I really want to come back and start spending time with God. Being a college student it’s easy for me to say I do not have time and go on with my day but I really want to be close with God and be aware of his presence every day.
You are not alone girl! I may not know you but I’m very happy to see your initiative keep going and don’t stop! Things will get tough specially with classes, papers, and test. But he is with you. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV)
These comments are really interesting for me. Being born and raised Catholic, I “knew” a lot of these traditions for lent and Ash Wednesday, but I’ve never really put too much into it. It really opens my eyes at how new this is to some people, and helps me put things into perspective, so they become new to me, too. I love this.
I’m a little younger than you guys ^^^^^^ but I agree. I try hard to remember that I am Gods creation and he thinks I’m perfect. But it’s hard to think you are perfect when you have sinned SO many times. This devotion really helped me understand that I am forgiven by the grace of God.
Being 16 I feel like it’s easy to drift in the wrong direction and today is my first day using this (referenced by my wonderful youth leader) & it’s defiantly a reminder that life is longer than high school and God will be there for me through it all, so I should be focused on him.
^^^^^^ thank you!!! I too and a teen who sometimes finds it difficult to remember the important things in life. I feel like at this age we just get caught up in ourselves and forget that Jesus came to save us from the very things we fight against. I hope this devotional will help to keep me on the right track with God.
My current boyfriend has thankfully pulled my back to Christ and this devotional was perfect. I get so caught up in what I think my life is supposed to be and forget that God has the perfect plan for me. I need a pause button and this path back to a christ driven life is what I need.
Sometimes it takes a little tap on the shoulder (aka reading a devotional ) to bring us back into listening to the Holy Spirit. It is only through Christ that we can be set free from the burden of sin.
I have been a Christian believer for a long time I’ve lost my faith over the past few years. I’m excited to know God and Jesus again have them in my life
Welcome to our community, Rachel! We love having you here!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Conviction is a beautiful thing … At times when you want to just turn your back on God it can annoy you that you still have a conscience but then it kind of flutters your heart to know that God still matters to you as much as you matter to him. It’s time to get right and stop letting the weights of the world be your testimony. Cry out to God and run for your LIFE. Thank you Jesus for renewal and repentance.
This is beautiful and convicting at the same time.
I didn’t realize until I just got done reading this how far I have fallen away from Christ. It was an eye-opener that I need to take more time and get back with the lord. And hit the pause button on the world to get right with Jesus
<3 what a great reminder.
This is beautiful and a reminder I needed.
Wow. I’m so I need of pushing the pause button and being still. Christ meets us in our stillness.
Beautiful, all glory is His. In this time and always.
This was a wonderful overview of lent and how it can allow a fresh work of the Spirit in our lives.
What a great reminder to slow down in the business of life and hit the pause button. I know I often times think my work is more important than it really is and that I am more important than I really am. But I am dust, and to dust I shall return. It’s time I remember my sin and fallen humanity.
The pause button. The stillness. The desire to know abba more and be ever so thankful for the gift of forgiveness and redemption.
God bless you. x
Wow I love every bit of this. So beautiful. I gave up all social media today for fifty days and downloaded this app. I am a nineteen year old girl who has struggled with depression the last two years and I am in the midst of complete and utter repentance. Because my depression was strictly environmental causes, I decided to finally take on this “sickness” head first and rely solely on Him and His word. It seems as though everybody around me wants me to just go see some doctor and take some magic pill, but I refuse. Thank you for this. Dust I am and to dust I shall return. Hallelujah.
Hey jeany, encouraged by your bravery. Press in to know Jesus , mercy comes in the morning. praying for you, sister.
He’s got you, Joany! This is a great reminder for us all to sit with Jesus and let him wrap His arms around you. He loves you. Lifting you up and praying for His perfect and everlasting healing over you.
I am facing trails in my life right now. Some of those are just hardships of growing up. I am a freshman in college. When I graduated high school I had my whole life together. I felt like I was on top of the world, but I began to take credit for these things rather than giving God the glory. I am struggling now with temptations and stress that all I can do is lean on him. These words dust to dust remind me that I can’t do this without him. God gets all the glory !!
I too have faced trails in my life and I just lift everything up to our Lord. Trusting in him that he will see me through. The Lord gives us challenges sometimes not to see us fail but to get us right were he needs to be so that he shape and guide is to were he wants us too. I can personally speak from experience that The Lord has truly blessed me with the challenges and has led me to a better place and a stronger trust and relationship with him. Even when you feel he is not there know he is and that’s when he is working the most in your life.
Great
Just started today and already excited about what this community will bring. Thankful to know that even though we are dust, which may be seen as insignificant, God sees us as worthy of so much!
Absoluty!
I love this
Beautiful!
Starting this study a bit late but glad to be here. Looking forward to learning more. I wish I’d started on Ash Wednesday.
Thank you for this.
I agree. Beautiful message!
Beautifully put!
Such wonderful devotional thank you, Praise his name
Thank you for this
It was not the nails that kept Jesus on the cross, it was his love for us.
Beautiful Debra! Makes me think of our vaporness and frailty…yet he entered that. He entered the meaninglessness and made meaning again! His love breathed life into the ashes again!
Great devotional. Thank you x
This was a first for me. I’ve always seen Ash Wednesday as a catholic tradition and never put any thought into it. Thank you for changing my view on that I now have a new heart towards the actual meaning.
Thank you Lord for time to pause and reflect on my failings and time to remember and acknowledge that your grace is greater than all my sin. Praise God!
I really never knew the meaning behind or purpose of Ash Wednesday and Lent. This was really insightful. But most of all this helped me realize that I need to take this time to reflect on the Grace of God and the gift of His Son, dying on the cross for my sins. Create in me a new heart Lord Jesus! Thank you for this devotion.
It’s nice to be able to pause.
Let today stop you in your tracks to “lament and acknowledge your wickedness”, knowing that the King of Alleluias has already done all that needs to be done to grant you “perfect remission and forgiveness.”
So thankful that the price has been paid! #amazinggrace
Sure is. Appointed times and seasons to remember and zone in on crucial elements of our faith. Take a moment to remember who we are and who God is!
I’m not catholic but in the last few years I have started recognizing lent as a time where I looked at my life and decided to make a change or sacrifice something so everytime I wanted that thing that I was used to.. I remembered why God was so much better! I’m a little late starting the Lent reading plan but I’m so excited to read the words SheReadsTruth has to share!
I stumbled across this app when lent began- deciding I want to quit reading my emails first thing in the morning in bed on my phone and instead draw closer to God. I can honestly say that was the best decision I have made. I crave getting on to this app. Thank you, thank you.
Amen sister!
I am with you! Amen!
Same here! What a blessing. I’m so grateful to have an answer to my early morning email problem, and my desire to get into the word first thing in the morning.
Amen! I’m right there with you!
So eye opening to have a fresh perspective on Lent.
I have never observed lent either but now I’m happy to have read this. I have a better understanding of it.
amazing!
Just started reading. Very encouraging. I never observed the lent season. This brings a new perspective!
That was great!!
As an Episcopalian/Anglican I'm so glad you were able to experience how we do things. I hope that the message carries through the season.
Just started on this, my very first shereadstruth post. I cannot believe I’ve been missing out! It resonates so deeply within me as God has spoken to me about this year and has simply told me to listen. I never saw the significance behind the ritual, and now I find appreciation for the purpose behind it. So, so thankful that He invites us to come and listen, so He will speak. So thankful for all that He is.:)
This is the best I’ve ever seen it explained. Beautiful.
That is the best
I was brought up Catholic, and I think your reflection on the Ash Wednesday ritual is absolutely beautiful xxxx
The Lenten season is my favorite season for a lot of reasons. The author mentions how it’s a quiet season of reflection and it really is a time for me to step back and look on my life and really feel the weight that Jesus had to bear for all of us. My favorite scripture is read during Ash Wednesday which mentions to pray out of the way and quietly, it reminds me that my relationship with God is so intimate that I need to focus on it solely during this time, to strengthen it and grow with it.
This year was the first where I experienced “Ashes on the Go” on my way to work on Ash Wednesday. The mention and the author’s emotional reaction in the devotional really struck a chord with me. I was overwhelmed with emotion, too! Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Beautiful. Jesus changed everything. Thankful for the grace and unending mercy He poured out on that cross.
I loved this reading today. I’ve never practiced or really learned about Lent until recently. I began to weep because I am in bondage, a stronghold in my life. I want this to be broken so that it no longer separates me from the Lord Jesus. I will spend time fasting and praying over this stronghold.
JJ, please know that I just finished praying for you, that God would work wonders in your heart!
Praying for you too JJ! That every chain would be broken in Jesus name!
This morning I am thankful for the redemption that we have in Christ. That we are called to set aside our former ways and be reconciled in him. I am thankful that we serve a father that wants us to experience his goodness and gives freely his grace and mercy.
Thank you God for loving me so much! I was buried in unrepented sin & bitterness for an illness that uprooted my life. I made excuses like Adam & Eve. I hid from God & turned to a new age online grp that promised tools to free me (tho it wasn’t free). When they envoked false Gods, I quit relieved but empty. I forgot my precious Savior..the blameless Lamb sent by God to pay the price for me, rebellious & without any good apart from Him. A FB friend posted SRT. I’m starting late, Lent is new to me. What a gift! I returned & am home, repentant & absorbing the Word. I’m giving up Twitter to focus on our King. BTW, He healed my debilitating illness! He is Mighty and Loving! My last big Alleluia until Easter:)
How good is God, that he would wait on you to come back to him. I pray you find the peace you need this Easter.
I’m starting this devotional late (I was reading one from somewhere else that I was having trouble connecting to) but this has enriched me already. How often have I practiced Lent traditions without truly remembering and understanding? Probably too many times to count. Thank you for the reminder. I’m now stopping and remembering!
Thank you God, thank you Raechel.
To dust shall I return. It puts a real perspective on how much I stress and worry about the trivial things like completing my never-ending to-do list, how much I stress and worry about the big things like getting God's purpose for my life right. Where in fact, my focus should be on the eternal, on the cross, and how Jesus saved me, in spite of me.
Talking about visuals, this really placed lent into a language I could understand. Honestly, I’ve been a Christian pretty much my entire life. And as a twenty something woman, I never stopped to look into what lent actually meant. The ashen crosses on foreheads was always so bizarre to me, and I always saw it as one of those outward, Pharisee practices. So I really admired that you addressed the common thought of lent being what it is as the underlying foundation to this season. I’m a bit behind but this past week has been a lot of reflection on how I ought to approach lent. And I wanted to really commit to a plan, such as this, to bring me back to the cross daily. Thank you for this!
This really puts lent into perspective for me. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you for that story. Thank you. It was just what I needed
Amen
Repentance is such a relief! The weight of the world crumbles at my feet when I visit with my father. Sin is constantly tapping me on the shoulder. The only way to overcome it is through prayer. Amen!
Just received my study guide yesterday and have started with the words/message on this day 1. The package is beautiful and the words and thoughts even more…thank you for helping me to pause and know God is near.
I’m just starting this today…I really love this app
My dad is dying and I’m going to need to rely on Jesus so much….I pause and am reminded that I came from dust and I will return to dust ….
Praying for you, Mary Anne.
Mary Anne, I’m so sorry to hear. You and your family are being lifted up in prayer.
Amen! Loved this!! Good reminder to help get me in the right mind frame focused on humbling myself and living for Christ! He is the reason to live every moment of every day!
This Protestant girl is thankful to be observing her first Lenten season. I always thought of it as a Roman Catholic ritual…no more. Thank you for these precious words of encouragement.
I loved this! I have never really practiced or observed Lent. This is a good start
I do find myself angry at the way things are today. I miss the old even though I’m not old per se….same old arguments over finances, time, etc. I don’t know what I’m suppose to give up, take up,. I know I am sinful and sin has consequences..I want to run crying to Jesus to show me what he wants…until I get the neon sign I’m going to keep reading and praying. I’m so looking forward to the spring thaw!
such a good message!!
I am so excited to use this season of lent as a time for reflection and to get closer with God. I am so grateful to have such a great study that makes it convenient no matter where I am I can turn to Him, read His word and feel renewed.
My horse voice is evidence today of my constant need for a savior. thankful for the reminder that Jesus has already paid it all. taking a deep breath and praying for the holy spirit to empower me to continue this day in the awareness of his unending grace.
Okay, so I’m 22 and I’ve always been brought up in church since I was little. But as I gotten older I kind of veered off wouldn’t read or nothing. But last October I witnessed the murder of my uncle and brother. God Humbled me enough that I would be able to go through this heart ache and he the only one that can heal me. I’ve cam across this app and I want to get fed with the word as much as I can. That night has thought me a lot and really put my faith to the test but can someone explain to me what today’s reading is about please ? My email is [email protected]
Growing up in a Hispanic family it always strikes me as odd how little does people celebrate Lent as seen through the eyes of a Catholic raised girl who has always loved the traditions of this season. From covering mirrors, to not eating meat and no playing of music– these are things I grew up with during Lent. But what I didn’t have that I do now (probably because I’m not rebellious against God anymore and have accepted Him into my life which I didn’t back then) was a deeper understanding of the connection you create with God during this time. So I am looking forward to this study and the opportunity to fellowship with you ladies as we reflect on the biggest sacrifice ever made.
PS. Sorry I’m a few days behind but was finishing Esther. :)
I'm Catholic and so this post felt so familiar to me. I've been thinking about it since Wednesday. Thank you! –for reaching out and crossing what is sometimes a wide divide. I love She Reads Truth and this post made me feel welcome here in a way you probably can't imagine. I thought you might like to see a tangible way for our family "suppress the Alleluia." We do this we every year with our kids and it's a highlight of the season. http://www.elizabethfoss.com/journal/reallearning…
Christy I too have experienced the same on the go Christianity. I’m ready to grow.
Through the years of following Christ, somehow I’ve stopped practicing the external representation of the inward heart posture. Praying on the go, everything on the go, has resulted in a shallow connection with Jesus. Hoping for change in this, this Lent.
Amanda
You have nailed it! I am constantly trying to get to the place where I have this deep mental or physical connection, Where I can truly feel His presence. I do know he is there, present in my daily life, but I feel homesick. A longing I can’t explain. I keep looking for it in my marriage,with family and friends but it’s just out of reach..ugh
Can’t believe I started this journey dealing with Lent on the day after Lent!! So looking forward to this journey!
Excited to read and learn more as this season of Lent continues. This stood out to me from the reading of Romans 3:21-26. My interpretation: Jesus will testify on my behalf, He will intercede to the Father – saying, ” I declare her righteous because of her faith in me.” Praise the Lord!
Thank you Jesus! This is the first plan that I have begun with the She Reads Truth app. I am overwhelmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit. I too am crying in the midst of my day (Thursday, though it’s be). No priest, no ash, but a clear picture of what God had been speaking to me over the last couple of weeks. I have no doubt that the next few weeks will bring even more words from The Lord, cleansing, and healing. God is the Faithful One.
I need this so much in my life right now. I’m in such a hard season and I have forgotten the Lord in so many ways! Please pray for me and with me that a God would be my all and I will live unashamedly
Me too. Depression big time. Just found this site an hour ago. I’m going to give it a try. Gotta take that first step, right ? I’ll pray for you. I promise.
trying to get standing on firm ground with God again. This study has grabbed my attention and I’m so blessed to be a part of it!
About a month ago I felt led to do kind of a “40 days in the wilderness” thing where for forty days I would get off social media and unnecessary technology and use all that time to really press into God during that time but I didn’t do it. Then yesterday I saw some people talking about lent so out of curiosity I looked it up to see when it started and it was yesterday and lasted 40 days. Okay, God, I get it. then stumbled across this app and study. Excited to press into this and go on this journey with Him.
“We know not everyone can make it to an early morning Ash Wednesday service, so we’re meeting them here, in the middle of their lives, because we believe that’s exactly where Jesus meets us.” Wow. So powerful, and such a reminder that as we make this season intentional for drawing near Jesus, look at how near he already is <3
This really stuck out to me too. I love it!!
I love the truth that is flowing through this process of the 47 days. It has been interesting to learn Lent not as a denominational process but rather a drawing in to my Lord.
Amanda, Amanda, we apparently have some telepathy going! This is so me, only for me it is more often than not that I don’t feel the warm fuzzier. I never considered it was that I was not going whole heartedly. I will have to ponder/pray over this one. I have often blamed it on the fact that I have never not known Christ. When your southern roots run deep usually it includes parents that raised you in the church and dealt with your salvation. I knew when my time to take over my salvation was at hand and was confirmed. (Methodist). SRT has been a fresh air/prospective that I profoundly thank you all for.
Wait, you have to buy it to participate? Ugh. Wish I could. So so bad. Hope everyone else gets closer to Jesus.
Becky- you can follow along on the website free of charge. It is a grace to walk through Lent with this online community. In their app, for easier access, there is a charge to have the series “more conveniently”.
Hi Becky! No! All of the devotional content is available for free at SheReadsTruth.com! Yay! I hope you will join us!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
This is the first year I will be participating in Lent. I gave up Facebook, like really gave it up cold turkey for 40days. I want to draw nearer to God through his word and I am so glad I found this ap. thank you for being with me on the journey.
I am a Nazarene and we don't observe Lent. I feel compelled to take part in Lent. I asked God to create a hunger and a thirst for Him and His word in my life. I don't know where this will lead, but I want to be near the cross.
Samantha, we are so glad you joined us today! Excited to see what God teaches us this season. Love to you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I grew up Catholic and giving up things for Lent because that’s what you did. Now, I know that I do not have to give things up so much as spend time with God. This Lent season I will strive to spend time reading His word each day and give up my time for Him.
Like many others here, I’ve never participated in Lent before. I’ve never even thought of it. But yesterday I saw a woman with Ash on her forehead. I’ve seen it a bunch of times before, but for some reason it was like time was in slow motion. I watched her for a long time. I don’t know what it was about her, but I googled Ash Wednesday and lent when I got home. I felt overwhelmingly that I was to participate in lent. Then I found this study that a FB friend is doing!!! As a Christian, I don’t grieve over my sin and I want to. So I look forward to fasting and seeing how God will become ever more real in my life. I am encouraged that I’m not alone.
Raechel, I cannot tell you how much this post means to me! My breath caught when I read "Franklin" and then again at "Episcopal". I currently am buried in 7 feet of snow in Boston, MA, and missing my southern roots. My husband and I moved here over a year ago for his new job as a Community Life Pastor for a CMA church. We have experienced and been a part of so many denominations over the years, and I love the different encounters with God I have found through each one. But I grew up in the Episcopal church. Ash Wednesday is dear to my heart, with it's tradition, and quiet contemplation in preparation for Lent. I wasn't able to experience it this year, but as I read your post, I felt like I could experience it through you. I could come to that contemplative place.
The connections that sparked in my heart is the possibility that the very priest who crossed your forehead and prayed over you may have been the same priest (Rev. Cowperthwaite) from St. Paul's that married my husband and I in Franklin almost 7 years ago. I know the corner and the coffee shop. It created such a vivid picture for me! I just so appreciate the connection to home and tradition that the Lord brought me through you. Thank you for sharing!
Wow, that was powerful, I’m not familiar with those practices, but I’m appreciating them now. As long as they rnt taken out of concept there is a lot we can learn from them
I grew up catholic so I am very familiar with these traditions. I really did love them growing up and continue to admire them from afar now that I am an evangelical Christian. It is so important to realize why they are done. Not just for the ritual which can be empty and meaningless if it is done just to be done- but as reminders to ourselves of who we are and who God is.
Beautiful reminder to stop and meditate in this season.
Being a busy college student I find myself absorbed with my day to day tasks. Have to do this assignment, exam Thursday, blah, blah, blah. On top of all of that i have systemic lupus erythramatosus..it’s an autoimmune disease that makes everyday living kind of difficult. Body aches, huge rashes, fatigue, no ability to have higher critical thinking, etc. Sometimes , especially recently after dealing with a massive flare up that caused me to get some pretty bad exam grades, I just felt so alone. Like no one understood. But God has been showing me that no matter what he knows my struggle. He is with me always. His eye is on the sparrow, and I am (as every woman also is) worth more than a thousand sparrows. Why not me?!? Why not us?! I’m really opening myself up to be renewed by God. Instead of dwelling in my problems I want to rejoice in his grace. I’m so excited and appreciative of this site for devotionals. It’s been such a miracle at just the right time.
Carly
You are so much stronger and braver than you know! I applaud you for keeping up the battle. School is so difficult especially when you don’t feel well. So glad you are setting this time aside to see all the blessing our father has laid out just for you! Keep going. I got sick when I was in college years ago.. I made it through and I have never forgotten how Jesus intervened on my behalf.
Thank you for those inspiring words of truth. The study clearly laid out the reason for lent. I am so ready to pause and reflect. My co workers were trying to understand lent. They said it was another man made thing! Oh how they are missing out on the most wonderful time of the year. A time set aside to grow closer to my God in a world that is falling farther away from him. In this hectic and busy world of mine I need desperately to pause and reflect. I am so glad to have found this study.
I grew up Church of Christ and am now Baptist, so I have never observed Lent or Ash Wednesday. I’ve always known them to be Catholic traditions–most of which I’ve never really had a grasp or understanding of. A couple of my girlfriends told me about this app and study, so I’m excited to get started. God has been wrecking my world this past couple weeks, and I’m excited to press pause on the things that have been keeping me from dealing with the things God wants me to purge right now.
*pretense = presence!
I’ve never personally participated in Lent myself, however pressing PAUSE on my crazy busy and wonderful life is very appealing. I’m a newlywed (4 months tomorrow), who’s loving every second of being married but I find that it’s hard to STOP and keep King Jesus first. I’m so thankful for the reminder that JESUS absolutely will meet us wherever we are (He’s already there!) but my acknowledgement of His pretense surely must make Him smile!!
“Hi Poppa! It’s sooo good to spend time with You! Thank you for blessing these women from around the globe with your truths! May they seep deep into our marrow and fill us with a renewed sense of peace, patience, gentleness, mercy and wisdom as we tackle our every day life. May we be a light unto the dark places and consistently be Your witness! Bless these warriors today and always!”
Thank you for your post and your prayer, defiantly encouraged me :)
I stopped participating in Lent a couple of years ago as I discovered that what I was giving up, I was giving up for the purpose of benefiting myself. For instance, I would give up sugar in hopes that, yes, I would pray every time I craved it, but in the end I really wanted to lose weight. I felt like my motives were not genuine. I lost sight of the purpose, which is truly to draw nearer to Christ. This year I am trying again, I want to give up my time, and give Christ time each day to spend time in His word, to memorize His word and meditate on his word. I am excited to join this community and am looking forward to what God has prepared for me during these next few weeks.
This is my first time observing Lent and I have given up social media – except my one business page which is already limited. I can’t tell you how much relief I already feel from cutting out the unnecessary distractions…knowing it’s just me and my Jesus for the next few weeks. It has to be spiritual because it doesn’t make sense in human terms. He continues to amaze me.
This is my first real Lent. I am giving up bread, meat and scavenger seafood. Seems like nothing compared to what we get in return. I’m so excited to be sharing this time with you all. It’s great to have so much support! I have never read the bible and I am following the 365 reading plan. Thank you for making this a memorable and enjoyable time for me. I’ve never felt so connect to our Lord!
It’s hard for me to really think of something to “give up”. I plan on just making more time in the business of my day to pause and have a moment in prayer or reading the Word. So many times I get overwhelmed with work or times when I have down time , I don’t use it like I could. Love She Reads Truth
I love the idea of lent being a pause button. In all the busyness I consume myself with I consistently feel exhausted. I think this Lenten season will force me to slow down and see the areas in my life causing that exhaustion because I am trying to hide them from God.
So good!
So I too participated in my first Ash Wednesday service tonight. Growing up Protestant, I never truly was able to embrace this tradition and I found it to really bring me back to the basics and meditate on what this season is really about. It’s just taking a step closer to Jesus, being able to listen to him, and tune out some distractions that draw us away from Him.
Though I'm a Baptist who has observed Lent most of my life. This is my first time using this amazing site. I'm not on Facebook for many of the same reasons some have posted for limiting it during this Lenten season. I did however give up the 4 virtual games I've overplayed this year as well as sweets and knew I'd need something on my iPad to click or swipe so I was grateful for the email from Lifeway that included this link. One of the things that I want to train myself to do is to dig into (or at least click) the TRUTH of the WORD before I read the devotional below. It's so tempting to read (or fill up on the desserts of) what someone has written about God's word and skip over the Bible references like they"re chicken bones when they are the meat! Be blessed and remember YE are BELOVED!
The power of tradition to recognize generations of faithfulness. Faithful believers, faithful love and a faithful Saviour. What a powerful first day to a powerful season.
I love the idea of getting closer to Jesus than ever before. But I actually must pause my life and make priority the One who makes it all possible. I’m still thinking about what to give up…but it may be my social media checks in the morning when I should be communing with The Lord.
The Methodist church I attend celebrated Ash Wednesday tonight & read Psalm 51. It’s fitting for the Lenten season and pairs well with Day 1’s lesson. Give it a read!
I love the idea that if we will just
‘stop’ Jesus will meet us in the midst of our everyday life.
Absolutely!! Everyday, every time, all day, any day!!!
I love the idea of Lent being a STOP. I just had a whole entire conversation with my husband about where are we going after his fellowship is over in June. It’s all I can think about. I want to know so I can be settled. Yet this season is about stopping. “Wherever we are going or wherever we’ve come from.” Wow. I need to stop and focus on God. The answers and future will come all I have to do is draw near to him.
I love this so much. I worry about post residency moves and that’s four years from now. What more can I add by worrying?! Praise the LORD for this time to stop. To be still. And to listen.
Day 1 and I already feel so refreshed and I know this is going to help me grow in my walk with Jesus!! I’m 15 and I go to a Church of God (Pentecostal) so I have never observed Lent until last year. I felt a tug to actually give something up and so I gave my sodas, which I still have not had to this day! This Lenten season I’m giving up french fries, because I love them so much (it’s bad) and I have them so often. It’s all about giving up something you love for God! It’s going to be so worth it. I’m so excited for the rest of this plan! Thank you for this!
Amen!
I needed the reminder it is ok to SLOW down. Life gets busy and I forget. Looking forward to this Lenten season.
I love this. I’ve been feeling very dry in my walk with the lord and wanted to learn to experience God again like I did when I was “on fire” for him. I’ve felt like there has been a lot lately separating me from him; my own sin. This is a great time to get a new refreshing perspective and begin experiencing Him again in a new and amazing way. I’m looking forward to this season & this study to help me through it!
I am a Protestant who has always loved Lent and observed it, but I got to attend my first Ash Wednesday service tonight (at my Baptist church no less!) and it was wonderful. So looking forward to this “pause” of Lent and making the journey to the cross.
I’m grateful to be apart of this Lenten study and to draw my heart closer to God. I’ve never really observed Lent besides the “giving up” portion but I feel that it’s more to it than that. I want to be able to say at the end of Lent that my heart is closer to God more than ever before! I especially LOVE the verse “For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” It makes me want to be more in tune with nature & God.
I don’t usually participate in Lent. I have grown up in a Presbyterian church and it’s just not a thing. But this year my dad, sister and I decided to give up sweets. Then my friend recommended this study. I look forward to a pause. It’s hard to reflect and look deeply at my sin. It’s messy and scary and gross and overwhelming. Thank God Jesus meets us where we are just like the two priests with Ash on the subway.
It’s more than a coincidence that you mentioned the story of getting ashes even though you are not Catholic- I had the day off and felt the need to have something tangible to mark the start of lent. I (a “Protestant” girl) went to a Catholic service to get them.
Beautiful. As a Southern Baptist, I’ve never observed Lent. I never really knew anything about it either. I’ve always thought it was just a Catholic tradition. I’m excited to see how I can use this study and this time before Easter to learn and grow closer to the Lord. Still trying to decide what I’m giving up, but I know this experience is going to be amazing.
I just came home from church about 2 hours ago from our Ash Wednesday service. It was short and sweet. During our service the members who, gathered talked about ways grace has been shared in their lives. It was so amazing to see and hear all of the good things he has done. To top it off I received my Ash and decided to give up all of my social media to really focus on what’s more important and that’s God. I’m really look forward to more readings in the study. Thinking of Lent as a “pause” is something new to me. :)
This site and devotional came out of nowhere but is exactly what I need in this season of my life. I’ve never observed or took the time to understand what Lent is yet alone celebrate Ash Wednesday. I have also decided to give up something: non- Christian music as I pause, reflect, and make time for God. I’m looking forward to all that God has in store during this time!
This was a beautiful post. I wanted a Lenten study and I’m glad I found it here. Looking forward to the pause that is Lent.
Excited to join this study!
I am a seventh day adventist and we are not ones to acknowledge lent. However I’m always open to devotion and learning as much about our God and scripture as possible. So I’m here to stay, and learn, and grow through Christ, for Christ.
First time actually observing Ash Wednesday and giving something up. I decided to give up non Christian music. It’s so scary to think sometimes we can sing a song and not really know the words we are actually singing! Praising our father during this time of repentance and worship is not only better for myself but for my relationship with Christ. Praying for you all who are giving up something this lent season!
Need this. Need a fresh dose of Jesus and a chance to journey purposefully through Easter…
Whether you carry the ashen cross on your forehead or not, know that Ash Wednesday is for remembering our sin and humanity—for reflecting on our fallen state and our gaping need for a Savior. Let today stop you in your tracks to “lament and acknowledge your wickedness”, knowing that the King of Alleluias has already done all that needs to be done to grant you “perfect remission and forgiveness.”
I am truly looking forward to starting this study. Growing up Catholic and Methodist I remember going to Ash Wednesday services. Being non denominational now, I don’t physically observe it anymore but I am truly feeling blessed to have this study to draw closer to the Lord.
Understanding the tradition behind the ritual is something new to me and I am very much looking forward to this study to learn more!
I also grew up Baptist and never really knew what Lent was until SRT's study last year. I love the meaning of it and that it is a pause. Just time to be still in His presence and reflect, renew, and refocus. It's all about Him!!
After a busy day of working (for the church as a youth minister), I had almost forgotten about digging into my devotional. So the idea of Lent being a "pause button" really struck a cord with me because I honestly would have checked off today as just another work day. But going forward, I will start to value my alone prayer time a lot more as I begin to reflect on the things I would "much rather forget". Thank you SRT for this beautiful devotional…
Grateful for the opportunity to pause, reflect, and repent.
I just came from a beautiful Ash Wednesday service.
A beloved member of my church has cancer in his body, and it will truly be a miracle if he sees another Ash Wednesday. And yet he still comes to church and faithfully serves and loves and cries out to God. He came tonight, to a service where we reflect on our mortality and our sin in light of the cross. He received ashes with the reminder that “to dust he shall return”. And he still praises Jesus, knowing that even in the midst of sin and sadness and shame and death, there is joy in Christ. Even in the ashes that represent sorrow and death, there is the cross. His faithfulness and bravery have been a blessing to me and many in the congregation. Would you join me in lifting him in prayer?
I will pray for this inspiring brother and for those who love him. God is faithful!
Romans 3:20 “because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin”. All the Law can do is show people their need for Redemption. Their need for God. It can never save.
this is my first time participating in Lent. A coworker educated me on this app. I am looking to become closer to God and strengthen my religion .I learned a lot from this first day
Coming to Him in repentance. Grieving about how far I fall short. And finding hope in His never ending love and compassion.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103
Amanda, I never thought of it as a pause either. I’m praying that during this Lent season I am constantly reminded of how my sins are covered by the grace and mercy of our amazing God.
I love the note about suppressing alleluia! Never heard that before.
Lent has always been my favorite season of the Church year. I even love those hymns in the minor key.
This study will be life changing! Cannot wait to soak in the truth of the Word and grow closer to God!
So looking forward to taking time to acknowledge all my sins and praise my God for giving His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins.
This is so good, so SO good!
Love these words.
I’ve never thought of lent as a time to “pause”. I love the idea of pausing and reflecting on my sins in the shadow of the cross. Too often I want to run from my son which makes me run from Him at the same time. I know this will be a great time for me to pause and look to Him again.
I know lent is a time for giving up or taking a break from but The Lord put it on my heart to not retreat from things but to go on more with Him. Spend more time in the word, in prayer and reflection of His truths. This is where I know change will happen. As I spend more time with Him those other things will naturally decrease as He becomes more prominent in my life! At least that is my prayer!
I don’t understand at all. Ash Wednesday ??? I though that was a catholic ritual ???
It may be. But any christian can observe Lent and use it as a time to repent. To remember what Jesus sacrificed while fasting for 40 days by giving up something you desire. It can be used to refuel your worship with Christ. Just remember, it’s not the rituals it’s the relationship. But the ritual can be used as a vehicle for the Holy Spirit
It's actually a church ritual that goes back before Catholics or Protestants, and many protestants have celebrated it through out history.
I should clarify and say that my (Baptist) church "does" Ash Wednesday, Lent, Advent, etc. It's just a way to mark the passing of the seasons with a mind turned towards Jesus.
This year is a time for us as a family to simplify. I pray this time of lent (first time I’ve ever observed it as a Christian) will help me refocus and reprioritise. I am giving up spending money on anything that is non essential to running our home so will stay out of the stores and online shops too. no more coffees while I’m out alone, no more cute notebooks, no more ‘they might need it because it’s on special’ new clothes for the kids etc. My time is better spent.
K
I pray that God will give you courage to go to church. Do you have someone that would go with you? Remember God loves you!!
Awesome. Let’s all embrace and cherish the gift of ecumenism during this season. There is so much we can learn from each other. Can’t wait to dig deeper into this study!
These words spoke deeply to me today:
"For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ. He is altogether lovely." R.M. M'Cheyne
"He must increase. I must decrease." John 3:30
"What then? Are we any better? Not at all! There is no one righteous, not even one. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. " from Romans 3:9,10,23,24.
"Surely I spoke about things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know." Job 42:3
"Thy work alone, O Christ, can ease this weight of sin;
Thy blood alone, O Lamb of God, can give me peace within.
Thy love to me, O God, not mine, O Lord, to Thee,
Can rid me of this dark unrest, and set my spirit free."
"I praise the God of grace; I trust His truth and might;
He calls me His, I call Him mine, My God, my joy and light.
'Tis He Who saveth me, and freely pardon gives;
I love because He loveth me, I live because He lives." from the hymn "Not What My Hands Have Done"
Please help me, Lord, to love as you love. Amen.
Beautiful story of your encounter with the priests; thanks for sharing this. Thankful for this season.
This is the first year I will participate in lent. Last year I decided to do it and just wasn’t focused. This year I am giving up facebook! I am finding that I spend too much time worrying about what everyone else is doing and not enough time just sitting with my kids or talking with my husband. The phone is always in hand. I am so happy to be part of this study and also to have the encouragement of others to draw closer to God.
Wow! I am so excited to have found this awesome resource to connect with ladies who have a heart for God! This will be my first time participating in lent. I just want an awakening in me to exhibit the heart of God and draw me closer, so those that I have influence on will want to draw closer!
I’m stopping today, and asking God to prepared my heart from distraction. The robber of joy. To cast down the root of my distraction, idols. Praying Jeremiah 29:12-13 for this Lent. I believe.
I have participated in Lent for many years but had lost the heart of why I participate. God has used many things including this devotional and community to remind me of the heart of what I am doing. I am excited to see how God uses this short season and I pray that the heart of Lent and the things that are learned during this time will be carried out and deepened even after the season is over.
I want to go to ash wednesday, but I am too scared to go to church. I don't know where to go. I wish something like the coffee shop would happen to me.
Why are you too scared to go to Church if I might ask? I think you Will be surprised how welcoming they are!
I’m praying for your encounter with Him right now.
I pray that God will give you the courage to go to church. Do you have someone that would go with you? Remember God loves you!
Praying for you Hal. Why are you scared to go to church, if you don't mind me asking? I have NO idea where you live, but if you are anywhere near me I'd be happy to go to church with you. :)
I love that she compared lent to a pause button. I am in nursing school and involved in so many things around me, but having the chance to slow down and know that God is with me in all that I do and that he has these amazing plans for me is amazing. It’s as if he is showing me that it is ok to take a breath and slow for a second because he will be right there to keep me going.
“Let today stop you in your tracks to “lament and acknowledge your wickedness”, knowing that the King of Alleluias has already done all that needs to be done to grant you “perfect remission and forgiveness.” ” I’m stopping and reflecting. WOW. Power in these words.
Analogizing Lent as a Pause button hit home with me. In what seems to be the most chaotic time in this 26 year old’s life thus far, God has reminded me to take the time for what is important and join Him in this journey. I too, will be giving up distractions and working toward a more “eternal focus.”
I woke up this morning wanting to take advantage of this season to fully acknowledge and be thankful for the sacrifice Christ has made for me. I’ve never observed lent or given up anything until this year. I pray that I will allow the Lord and his spirit to lead me and make previous the time that I so often fritter away doing lesser things. Thank you for this study. I’m excited to walk through it with all of you!
This so spoke to my heart. I am 32 and this is the first time I am acknowledging and honoring Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent. I am thankful to have found such a wonderful study guide is SRT.
This has really opened my eyes ♡
This will be the third study I do with SRT, as I did the last two- Esther and Hymns II– and really, really enjoyed soaking them in! I ordered my Lent books a few weeks ago, and have been gazing at them each and every day anticipating this very day! I woke up this morning almost feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. I grew up Catholic, and remember Ash Wednesday, but as a child, I never grasped the concept. My husband and I are now non-denominational, and Lent is not something I've truly thought about in several years. I am so excited to be embarking upon this study and dive deeper into the meanings of this season. We've gone the more untraditional route and given up our snooze buttons for Lent. :) We're committing during this journey to go to bed earlier, wake up before sunrise, and enjoy a devotional over coffee and prayers together each morning, hoping that it becomes a regular part of our mornings following Lent. This morning being the first morning of this commitment, is now such a peaceful reflection throughout the rest of my day. I am grateful to take a pause during these next several weeks, and refocus our hearts towards the Cross, and our Savior!
Tess, you added joy to my morning! Excited to hear what God will teach you during this season! So glad we get to observe Lent together!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Looking for some healing and growth during this Lenten season. Being a burnt out mom of 4 and a wife that is not happily married right now gives me reason for leaning on God. He gives me new hope each day. I am looking forward to coming through this season victorious.
Sister, I admire your vulnerability! You are not alone and you are seen by a Father who knows and loves you. We\’re in this together, friend! Praying for you today.
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
As I was reading the passage from Job, I was reminded of an amazing song by Ghost Ship that is written as a parallel to a few chapters in Job. It is called "Where Were You" and I find it as a daily reminder that we are human and have no right to question God's great authority, but we do it anyway. And God answers us and He challenges us. I encourage y'all to give this song a listen. I think it is an amazing song any time of the year, but especially during the season of Lent.
If you’re looking for a beautiful version of Jesus, keep me near the cross, go to YouTube and search for Near the Cross, Alison Krauss. The end includes the voice of the person recording the song, but that makes it even more beautiful.
I woke up this morning ,wow today starts Lent what do I need to be reminded of. As I’m reading I realized Our Lord really gave up everything to come in the flesh just to carry on his stricken body our sins. So for the next forty days I want to be reminded of how blessed we are . That he all though being God did not hesitate to become sin for us. I will try to wrap my head around this truth .
I feel like the Lord has been preparing my heart for this lent season. He has been showing me my sin and its complete ugliness. I repent of all of it Lord, and I trust you to shine your light and make my heart new. Amen.
I posted this today on my Facebook after reading your scripture devotional and seeing the Dust to Dust picture: "Breakin' Out: Dust In The Wind part 3: Imagine my surprise when I saw this today. I was not actively looking for it. My niece sent me a FB invitation to join a Bible reading group. It isn't something I normally do, follow someone else's scripture reading plan. Being a part of a Baptist Church, independent at that, for the past 30+ I know nothing of Lent except it starts on Ash Wed. with people wearing ashes on their foreheads and give stuff up for a few weeks before Easter. (I am not ridiculing anyone). If you have followed my previous "Dust In The Wind" break outs, you will know that this idea (Dust in the Wind) has captured my attention in the past several weeks.I am not into religious "rituals" but I read the following today from someone else who is observing Lent for the first time and I think it bears repeating.
"Lent is a pause button. It is a quiet unlike any other time of year. Lent is a season to close our eyes as the busy world buzzes around us, to consider those things we’d much rather forget: our sin and our humanity. We came from dust, and to dust we will return." (from SheReadsTruth.com Day 1) It brings perspective to my life that I need continual reminding of.
I grew up observing Lent. Always find it to be a time to reconnect with the basic truth that without Christ, I would not be able to be in relationship with my Father. To examine what areas of my life need repentance. Today, using Strong's Concordance, I looked up REPENT. Here is the definition for the Hebrew word "nacham":
To make a strong turning to a new course of action. The emphasis is on turning to a positive course of action, not on turning from a less desirable course.
I love this! To make a strong turning to a new course of action. It has led me to pinpoint two areas in which I must take action. These will be my focus throughout Lent. And I look forward to walking through Lent here…with sisters in Christ.
I love reading the comments today. Last night I was excited in anticipation of the beginning of Lent and this study. Today I just feel out of it and kind of blah. But reading the comments reinvigorated my desire to dig deep this season and to start by pausing. I’m giving up Instagram as I have felt very convicted of comparison in the last 2 years of my life. Becoming a mom this past year, I have allowed comparison to creep up in new ways. Yesterday and today I have felt so burdened to be free of this spirit of comparison in my life but also with my daughter (so many mommy blogs and pictures I see online of perfect moms and babies!). Praying that removing Insta will kick start this again for me. Praying that I will pause (which is difficult with a baby!) and listen to my Savior. Praying that He reveals to me not only my pitfalls of comparison but other temptations in my life. And above all, praying to learn the character of my Lord more through this season and draw closer to Him.
This came at a great time in my life. I’ve served God for years now but lately I’ve felt lost, and confused. My heart has been so full of hate and bitterness. I feel so far away from God…. I think this is just what I needed to return to my first love witch is Jesus Christ, and to remind me of what He did for me.
I am so at the end of myself. This has been the hardest year of my life and I’ve been trying to manage on my own. In my own strength. I’ve been aware of this but haven’t truly repented and turned back to Christ. I’m ready to lay my pride and self-sustaining spirit aside and humbly repent and allow the Lord to restore and redeem. Excited for this!
Amen! I am right there with you Alyssa! God is good and He has given us this moment of true repentance so He can and WILL do His work in us.
Thank you for your words and for Gods truth working in both of our hearts!
Thank you for sharing your heart. Your transparency gave “a name” to what I’ve been feeling lately but couldn’t identify what this BLAH is. I too am ready to lay down my pride and self sustaining spirit and humbly ask that God restore and redeem these broken pieces. Praying for you!
Today this really impacted me… So many thoughts ran through my mind this Morning and this really brought it into perspective !! Enjoy your blessing during this Lent season!! #Godissogood
Man oh man, I couldn't be more expectant of this season and what it is to hold for all us ladies. there is great power in repentance. Excited to trek through the valleys and mountaintops of this season with you all.
Loving these words and thoughts
thank you for this! for me this lent has come at a time of great change. so many things have been removed and I know this is to make way for new things but not sure what. God has hit the pause button! He has new stuff planned. Reading this has reminded me of what I need to do between now and easter – not rush into new things but stop and seek God and humble myself before him.
Just wanted to share this incase anyone is up for a challenge this lent time? 40 acts of generosity http://www.40acts.org.uk/the-challenge/starting-line x
“Lent is a pause button.” Such a beautiful and simple reminder. Throughout this Lent, I pray for the patience to continue pausing and listening and reflecting.
It’s is a great reminder.
I was raised Catholic. I was married in the Catholic Church. My Husband enjoys attending mass, as do I.
But growing up in my “religion,” brought judgement in my small, Southern town. Did I worship idols? (Yes, someone asked/accused me of this. I was flabbergasted. By the way, the answer is ‘no.’) Was I going to Heaven? Was I “saved”? According to local Non-Catholics the answer to these last two questions was doubtful. Now I write all this, not to judge other religions – as I have made peace over the hurt and accepted that people judge what they don’t understand, I’ve been guilty of this myself – but to acknowledge that God made His sweet gift of Redemption and Grace available to ALL of us. I have learned it has less to do with my “religion” (we can all worship God in a way that is special to us) AND everything to do with my heart/our hearts. Because God looks at the human heart not outward appearances… Or religious rituals or practices.
Thank you SRT for shining a non-judgmental light on Catholicism. It warms my heart and makes me feel even more welcome. :)
On this Ash Wednesday, as I receive my cross of ashes I will meditate more intently on my humanity and my sins. Because from dust I came and to dust I will return. As well as, repentance and forgiveness.
Thank you, Jesus for saving this soul-weary heart of mine. Praying to draw ever-closer to You, Lord, as I pause now (and often) during this Lenten season.
This first day of our new study has given my heart the exact posture I was hoping for. I'm praying that The Lord would humble me again and again and draw me closer to his sacrifice, something I "shift from" often. I'm excitedly praying for all of us!
Also, putting it out in the world that I've given up refined sugar for this season. I tell myself I "deserve" dessert after a tough day or circumstance. I don't want to find comfort in sweets! I want comfort in Jesus. Anyone else doing this?
I gave up sweets too!
This Lent I'm not giving up anything in a material sense, but I'm devoting quiet time of a morning before the rest of my family wakes. I go day to day without having that quiet time and take the sacrifice made for us all for granted. This year my goal is to become closer to God.
Amen! This is a great. I will also be delving into my quiet space with God during this season…
For me giving up a material object or food item is still reflecting on the outward… I want my focus to be to serve God more in this time(and learn to do it more all year round). May God use our quiet moments to change our hearts to be more like His and give us greater vigor for our daily tasks.
I so needed to reflect on this today. To weep for my sins. To remember why I do this whole “church thing.”
Sisters, this is such a great start Lent. I wish I had eloquent words to express the love of Christ and the weight of this upcoming season, but I don’t.
To echo a few others, I’m praying for us ALL that this study will be a constant in our busy days as moms, sisters, daughters, wives, girlfriends, friends, and whatever other hat we’re required to wear. My day is so. much. better when it starts in God’s Word.
I love yo all, purely because you love the same Savior as me.
In this day and age it is SO hard to stop moving. We are constantly doing and even when we are busy we look around and try to see what else we can grab on to. We want to fill our lives. We want to “live life to the fullest”. But lent, Ash Wednesday especially, is a season that reminds us that in order to live out our time in Earth to the fullest we must look up at the cross and remember that this is a gift. A gift from the Most High. Humbly we approach His throne. With gratitude we wake up each day and say “Thank you, Lord, for relentlessly pursuing me when I was walking towards darkness. Thank you for loving me so much you said ‘here, step into the light and I will take your place'” …it’s because of You, Lord, that we are able to be busy. I pray that our busy-ness is not simply a time filler, but a way to bring glory to Your name and build Your kingdom.
so wonderful to be reminded of what this season is truly about.
I’m so blessed to have this ritual all throughout my life! As a kid, I didn’t get it why we didn’t say Alleluia and confused why sometime we say Hallelujah.
As the years go by…I savor more n more! I’ve done the giving up but now replacing it with enrichment and pausing this lent time. He has paid it all!
Repent, repent, repent. I want to repent, but I get discouraged when I think of all the times I’ve fallen for the same sin. I know Jesus has already conquered the world. If I cling to that maybe I can keep walking with Him.
“How is there any hope at all?” Jesus. Only Jesus. If it is in any way up to us, we are lost and without hope. Only at the end of ourselves can we find that hope. I’m so looking forward to pressing into this truth over the next 46 days.
It’s been a long time since I’ve done a Bible study, but I’m looking forward to renewing my relationship with His Word. I loved what the author said in the passage about Lent being a pause button. I’m definitely going to use this time to slow things down, focus on my relationship with Jesus and try to be better about recognizing Him in the every day.
as I start this season of Lent, I look at how much I have fallen this past year. I used to be so in love with God that everyone around me could see tge joy radiating. but at some point, I fell apart. I gave up and quit trying. I left God. Yet, here I am. Apparently wanting more, so please be in prayer that I would encounter God in miraculous ways and repent from my sin.
I am in the same boat as you friend. I let insecurities pull me away from the Lord instead of running harder towards him. I will be praying for you that His word may relight the fire in your heart during this Lent season!
We are all in this together! I am in the same boat too! I have been praying for women like us to be renewed this season.
Praying for our great God to do miraculous things in your life as you repent & return to Him Kaitlyn!
I am so excited to join the She Reads Truth community this Lent! Sadly I find myself very alone in Canada, without Christian peers to share my faith with. I can't wait to meet and engage with like-minded Christians online!
I’m up here in Canada too. Praying for you from Hamilton, Ontario
Yay! I'm a 20-something in Ottawa (but from Halifax) and I get the distinct impression there are far fewer Christians up here, when compared to the US… at least very few my age and in my social circles! Thanks for reaching out Amalie :)
My husband was born near Ottawa and has some family there. His grown nieces are there and they are Christians if you would ever like to plug into a like minded community!
I'm also from Ontario Canada, I have a friend who is a pastor at http://greenbeltbaptist.com/ if you need a place to get plugged in. Getting plugged in with a local community is a challenge and I pray for you as you explore your new community.