Ash Wednesday James 4:6-10
Each week in Lent, I am going to share prayers from the New Testament and ask that you consider praying that prayer daily throughout that week. The blog may end up containing spiritual exercises more than personal reflections although I'd love to hear from you on your experiences and reflections in the comments section.
Today, being the start of Lent is a little different. The passage I want us to consider is one that calls us to repentance and submission, to cleansing and movement toward God, to sorrow over sin and a humble posture before God. It is not a prayer per se but contains several imperatives that are obeyed in prayer.
James 4:6-10 (New International Version, ©2011)
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Suggested Exercise:
Read the passage and then reread it lingering on the words of phrases that seem to speak to you.
Take a few minutes and pray through verses 7-10.
As you do this, ask the Holy Spirit to enable you to obey what this passage is asking of you.
Today, being the start of Lent is a little different. The passage I want us to consider is one that calls us to repentance and submission, to cleansing and movement toward God, to sorrow over sin and a humble posture before God. It is not a prayer per se but contains several imperatives that are obeyed in prayer.
James 4:6-10 (New International Version, ©2011)
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Suggested Exercise:
Read the passage and then reread it lingering on the words of phrases that seem to speak to you.
Take a few minutes and pray through verses 7-10.
As you do this, ask the Holy Spirit to enable you to obey what this passage is asking of you.
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