This poem originally began on an Ash Wednesday – the first day of Lent which often focuses on the penitential Psalm 51 and encourages us to look at ourselves honestly then confess what needs confessing, change what needs changing, accept what needs accepting, and receive the joy of God’s forgiving love. 

Begun in Ashes

Create in me a clean heart, O God
and renew a right spirit within
all who come to You
in sorrow for our sins.

Whenever we’re out of line
with Your love, Lord,
we thank You for revealing
the truth and not hiding
our errors behind ashes!

We praise You for making us
spotless
with pure forgiveness
we don’t even deserve,
yet bringing us back
into Your embrace,
so we can face You again
without shame.

No matter where we go
in this life or this Lent
help us to glow, Lord,
as we walk in the Light
of Your Name.

by Mary Harwell Sayler, © 2021

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