In the not knowing, there is breathing room;
an invitation to trust Her slow moving rhythm.
Sit long and ask Her every single question
not to find an answer but
to sink even deeper into the not knowing.
Pay attention to the specks of light,
rising from the darkness;
Trust Her light will reach you.
Until then, sense the circles of love encompassing you.
May Her love hold you in every not knowing.
Guider of Souls, who seeks and finds the lost,
As we make efforts to walk toward you this day, may our hearts see the road from your perspective. Lead us by your rhythm and reveal the signposts that exist around us encircling us with the brightness of your loving Presence. Guide us also by that which lies deep within where extraordinary holy flecks send glimmers of hope. Amen.
Sustaining God, whose path reaches toward us again and again,
We pause in this moment to recognize the sureness of your breath in ours. Yet, You who are Love, lead us to places where we are unsure, places where we know nothing, and invite us to find you there. Help us to trust that Your love emerges without any effort on our part. Hold us gently in these places of unknowing so that we can hold others with the same kindness. Attune our steps toward the Love you offer that is far beyond what we know right now. Amen.
Living Word, who speaks creation into existence
We are tired of hearing condemnation from every angle. Gently awaken us to listen for the one Voice that gives life. Fill us with what we need to carry into the course of this day. Help us to listen to one another more than we speak. Rather than increasing any conflict, make the words you speak through us create understanding. Multiply opportunities to experience emerging justice through the power of your mercy. Amen. Psalm 29:4
Unfolding Truth, who often is hidden in desolate places,
Lead us to further knowledge of your ways in this moment of quiet. Help us to do nothing in order to find everything; not to squander our precious time, but in attending to your Presence, allow you to reveal the message of your cross. Comfort all who are dealing with unknown futures. Restore our hope in finding the way that imparts life out of death. Remind us of your goodness. Amen.
Ancient of Days, who accompanies us on our inward journey,
We draw near to you in this silence, waiting for your love to carve away our excess, so that we may find what is truly valuable. Your relentless grace guides us into our interior shadows, softening away our hardness with your compassionate Presence. Make this Ash Wednesday be the doorway to a season in which our inconsistencies are revealed. Unbind us from any fear, envy, pride, sloth or perfectionism. Release us into your creative light so we can become more fully yours. Remind us that this path is not a solitary one but for the whole community. Amen.
Source of all Hope, available to us in every realm on earth and in heaven,
Your Presence makes real your encompassing love. Even when we are swept away into lives that are not of our own choosing, we do not despair. You give us clarity, comfort and conviction, placing a right spirit within us. Answer in us questions for others. Make our lives a portrait of your ways. Amen.
Divine Hope, who is found both beyond and within us,
As we begin this season of preparation, we admit how often we fear silence, fight stillness and resist the unknown. Move us beyond the exterior material in our lives toward the inner rooms of our hearts. As we explore in these depths, adjust our seeing toward each new reality that arises out of shadow and darkness. Through our sense of relief, stir us to passion for others, leading us beyond mere survival to fullness of joy. Amen.
Blessed Provider,
who picks up the pieces of our lives gathering an abundance where we saw not enough,
Soon we will be together at table; families, friends and foe. For some of us, the empty places at our tables reflect what has happened in our hearts. Change us to be those who trust rather than fear, turn our yearning into gratitude. Move us to respond to your grace by giving before we take. Fill us with your Loving Presence. And if ever any hostile encounter threatens to separate; extend our arms to reach out in love through your life-giving Word. Amen.
Divine Being, who waits alongside the waters,
We cannot be still. We cannot wait. Too many young people are dying, like the leaves that have fallen to the ground. Remind us to take in your breath, to notice something of your Presence; to acknowledge Love that arrives in flowers, candles and tears. We stand and watch at these altars of remembrance. Stir in us, move us to speak for those whose voices are no more. And give us hope for the mystery of your work so deep below the surface. In you mercy, so be it.
Janet Salbert 