Thursday, February 18, 2021
Penitence and prayer
An excerpt from Daniel 9:3 (NRSV)
Then I turned to the Lord God, to seek an answer by prayer and supplication with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.
Reflection from Marjie Koons:
Not quite sure about my finding sackcloth in my belongings, but more familiar to me is recognizing having a heavy heart, the need for help, and then taking the time to open my mind to God and identify those troubled thoughts.
As I settle into my quiet space, I focus on my breathing, in and out, then I begin to relax just knowing that He formed me from ashes, he knows all my accomplishments and all my failings, yet He loves and accepts me the way I am. The answers I receive are the settling of my mind, organizing my thoughts and realizing and accepting His love for me. No step-by-step instructions, no sticky notes to follow, just the assurance of His love and knowing that I am not dealing with things alone.
For further study and prayer, the readings assigned for today are:
Psalm 25:1-10, Daniel 9:1-14, 1 John 1:3-10
Music
“O Lord God”
by Pavel Chesnokov
“O Lord God, hear thou my prayer;
Help thou me and give ear to my prayer.
Daily do I worship thy great name and thy power.
Thou alone canst help me,
O send me thy peace and love.”