Day 1 — Ash Wednesday — 22 February

Hear our voice, O Lord, according to your faithful love.

Joel 2.1-2,12-17 | or Isaiah 58.1-12 | Psalm 51.1-17 | Matthew 6.1-6 (7-15) 16-21 |

Before Prayer

A prayer by Eric Lindell-White.

Lord, you have given me this space for prayer
fill it with your gifts of grace;
fill it with the showings of your truth,
with holy counsels and inspirations,
with the communion of peace;

Occupy it with the work of love,
to beg your mercies upon those I love,
upon all my acquaintance,
upon all in need,
upon all whom you love.

Overshadow me with your Spirit,
with the light that is you;
Banish distraction, inattention, coldness;
Make my eyes to see, my ears to hear,
my tongue to speak, my soul to be still;
And then be merciful to my prayer,
and to me, a sinner;
for Christ’s sake.

May God our Redeemer show us compassion and love. Amen.