With all the turmoil that is going on in the world, it is refreshing to take a step back and reflect on things of the Lord.
In the Christian tradition, we have specific times of reflection, Advent, the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, and Lent, the 40 days prior to Easter.
This year, Lent begins on Wednesday, March 1. Many churches will have an Ash Wednesday service in which the pastor will place ashes in the shape of the cross upon one's forehead or hand as a reminder of what Christ did for us upon the cross. Generally, the words from Genesis 3:19 are said at this time: "For you are dust, and to dust you shall return." Ash Wednesday can be a day of fasting as well as repentance.
In some traditions, the words "Alleluia" and "Gloria" are omitted during worship services to emphasize the solemnity of the Lenten season. Lent is meant to be a time for repentance and spiritual reflection as well as a time to draw closer to the Lord before Easter. One of the ways we can observe Lent is to spend more time reading the Scripture and in prayer.
Prayer for others, as well as ourselves, is always a good practice. Here are some prayer suggestions:
•That the Lord will meet our spiritual and physical needs
•That we will obey the Lord's commandments
•Wisdom, discernment and peace for our pastors, priests and church staff
•Peace and unity in our country and community
•Wisdom and godly discernment for our elected leaders — federal, state and local
•Safety and wisdom for our police, sheriff and fire departments
•Safety for our military members — both deployed and at home
•Forgiving hearts toward those with whom we may disagree
•That the Lord will meet the needs of those in war-torn countries
•That we will have compassion for those less fortunate and help them
•Honesty in our dealings and the dealings of our leaders
•Gratitude for all that the Lord has given to us
We can also show support and love for our spiritual leaders by sending them an encouraging card or note.
Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 12 prayer tips for Lent