We are now well into the season of Lent. You probably know that Lent is the forty days prior to Easter. It is a time of self-examination and drawing closer to God. While there are some who will give things up or take new habits on, it’s important to remember that the goal of Lent is the interior work of loving God more, and we want to encourage you to do that as a community. If taking on new things or letting go of old things helps that, then, by all means, proceed. If not, then make sure you have space in your days to draw closer to God. I think the following prayer of Pope Leo, that Glenna shared with the choir Thursday night, is a meaningful reflection on the goal of the season. I hope it helps guide your efforts to make space and to pray to God.

Heavenly Father, in this sacred season that began on Ash Wednesday, we come before You with humble hearts. The ashes remind us that we are dust—fragile, dependent, and in need of Your mercy. Yet they also remind us that dust, when touched by Your grace, becomes holy ground. Lord, may this season not remain external. Do not allow it to be only a mark on our foreheads or words on our lips. Let it penetrate our desires. Let it purify our loves. Let it reorder our priorities. From dust…awaken humility within us. From decision…strengthen our will to choose You daily. From discipleship…teach us to carry the cross faithfully. From life…draw us into deeper communion with You.

Where our desires have been disordered, realign them. Where our love has grown divided, purify it. Where our priorities have drifted toward the temporary, redirect us toward the eternal. Lord Jesus, as You call us to deny ourselves and follow You, give us the grace to say yes—not only in grand gestures, but in the quiet sacrifices of each day. Let our fasting empty us of pride. Let our prayer anchor us in truth. Let our charity reflect Your heart. Holy Spirit, breathe upon our dust once more.

Form in us a new heart—steadfast, obedient, and alive with holy desire. May this Lent be a true interior conversion. May it move us from routine to renewal, from surface religion to deep transformation, from self-centered living to God-centered life. From dust… to decision… to discipleship… to life. Lead us, Lord, all the way to Easter joy. Amen. (Pope Leo, February 19, 2026, From Dust to Life–Thursday after Ash Wednesday)

Blessings,

Rev. James Harper

Lent is a great time to attend worship, open your Bibles, engage in prayer, and go deeper in community with us here at FPC Douglasville. We hope to see you soon!