Christian Reflection and Prayer

Read John 1:1-18. TEXT: "The light shines in the
darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it"
(John 1:5).
   
All of us struggle with the power of darkness in
our lives, the darkness of fear, doubt, dread
and anxiety. We see it in our health problems,
financial struggles and our strained relationships.
We see it in the darkness of our own struggles
within.

On this Ash Wednesday the Holy Spirit calls
you to gather with His people in church where
He will shine His glorious light into the darkest
corners of our sin-filled hearts and minds. The
ashes of Ash Wednesday remind us of the death
that darkness has brought to all. But it also
reminds us our Savior took our death upon
Himself, giving us His life and forgiveness.

THE PRAYER:
Light of the world, shine in my heart and bring
me peace. Amen.

(In part from
"Shining in the Darkness Ash Wednesday "
By Rev. Wayne Palmer )

 Lutheran Hour Ministries

Scripture:

"If you can?".....Everything is possible for him who
believes.  (Mark 9: 23)

Reflection:

The other day I heard a great definition of faith. 
" You just have to believe that He's done it and
it's done."  This is a big problem with most of us. 
After asking God to do it, we do not believe that
it's done.  Instead we keep trying to help Him,
get others to help Him, and anxiously wait to
see how He is going to work.

Real faith adds "Amen" to God's "Yes" then takes
it's hands off, leaving God to finish His work.  The
language of faith is, "Commit your ways to the Lord,
trust in Him and He will do this."  (Psalm 37: 5)

TRUST IN THE LORD AND HE WILL DO IT

Scripture:

"God Who does not lie, promised." (Titus 1:2)

Reflection:

When I pray, I often find myself praying for more
faith.  But when I really listen to myself, I get to
the essence of my prayer.  I realize it's not more
faith that I desire but I want my faith to be changed
to sight.
Faith does not say, "I see this is good for me therefore
God must have sent it".  Instead faith declares, "God
sent it, therefore it must be good for me."
"FAITH, WHEN WALKING THROUGH THE DARK
WITH GOD, ONLY ASKS HIM TO HOLD MY HAND
MORE TIGHTLY!"

Phillip Brooks states:

"The Shepherd does not ask of thee
   Faith in Your faith, but only faith in Him.
And this He meant in saying, "Come to Me,"
   In light or darkness seek to do His will, and
leave the work of faith to Jesus still."