February 22 Prayer

February 22 Prayer

First week of lent
It is a long and arduous journey waking in the wilderness
Climbing up and up takes effort and strength
It may seem a bit daunting at times
These 40 days
This setting aside your vices and attachments
Stripped away of your go to comforts.

The desert experience is essential though
It was for John
And for Jesus, for he was led there by the Spirit,
His spirit took him there
To meet Abandonment, rejection, temptation,
and there in the untamed wilderness
He was met by angels sent from heaven
To minister to his needs.
Consolation came in Desolation.

Pope Francis says, that “lent is a joyous time
and a serious commitment, to strip
ourselves of our selfishness,
.. living each day with the desire to
embrace the love that comes from God.”

Yes, it is hard, it takes effort to go
into the wilderness of our souls,
shut out the world's chatter and distractions.
But oh what joy is found in the simplicity of
The quiet pool of reflection,
To relax and rest and simply trust in Him.

There will be gifts along the way
up these stairs you climb
Look for the Angels to arrive
Take the time to rejoice when they come
and receive the consolation they give you
as you make the journey with Jesus.

For you are never alone
And everyday is a day of salvation
Of returning to allow the Spirit to form
you into the shape of Christ

Look for the angels to arrive
For consolation will come.
It’s a gift if you are open to receive and
able to embrace this wild time.
There is an unfailing crown of glory that awaits you~

Pause a moment here to pray,
Lord, Jesus we are willing and even
eager to go with you on this journey,
For where else would we go that leads us to a joy?
Thank you for a glory that never fades and
a love to embrace from heaven.
We are your beloved,
Lead us,
We will follow
You.
Amen
Mark 1:12-15,1Peter 5:1-4,Ps.116
DB