Rob Witham

Ash Wednesday officially ushers in Lent. This day arrived at its name from the ashes that Catholic and some Protestant churches put on worshiper’s foreheads during a church service. This tradition is inspired by the Biblical practice of placing ashes on one’s head during times of mourning or repentance.

As I noted in a post earlier this week, whether your church tradition participates in Ash Wednesday or not, there is still benefit to remembering what this is supposed to be all about.

Consider a few thoughts:

• Pausing to repent of sin, purify our lives, and seek God is always a good thing
• Most Christians find it all too easy to let weeks and months go by between periods of serious repentance and confession
• Most Christians find it all too easy to let months and years go by between observing a fast before God - something we are commanded to practice

Whether you participate in Ash Wednesday observances or not this is a good time to reflect on your spiritual state, pray, and consider fasting.