Lenten Devotions

Ash Wednesday, February 6

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51: 1-2

It seems that the whole idea of confronting one’s sin is unpopular. It’s bad for one’s self-esteem, leads to damaging guilt, is all we ever hear from the Church… I believe we should always discuss sin in light of God’s love for us, and I believe that human beings are not merely sinful, for we are made in the image of the Holy One and are beloved. But, not only do I live in a world riddled with sin, I myself find myself ensnared by, held captive by, implicated in, having committed (pick your metaphor) sin. It’s not just that I make mistakes.I do things I know I should not do—not if I want to be happy, not if I want good relationships with God and other people. I fail to do things I know God calls me to do. I choose to do wrong. No, this isn’t the only issue humankind must deal with in our relationship with God and others, but it is a real one.

I don’t want to be stuck in my sin. I don’t want to have to repress it, or flee from it, or close my eyes and hope it will go away so that I won’t feel bad anymore. I want help. I want to be forgiven and restored to the abundant joy Christ came to bring to us. It is an immense joy to me that I can go to God with this problem of my sin, for I know that nothing can separate me from the love of God in Jesus Christ. I know.

A Practice: Ask God to surround you with great love and take a deep breath. Allow yourself to consider your own sin. What would you ask God to change that is in you, that comes from you? What are you sorry for? What would you have God forgive? Read Romans 8: 31-39.

For more information or to continue the conversation, write to Katie at katherinekinnison@covenantpcusa.org.

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