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Every Wednesday we invite you to Pause and Pray with us. Today’s reflection is written/curated by Bonnie Chiappetta.

Pray:

Gracious and loving God, how fitting is it that this year we celebrate Ash Wednesday on the same day as Valentine’s Day. Looking on this day of love and remembering how much you loved the world you sent your son Jesus to us. To teach us how to live and be in the world both in and through you, to continue to pass on the teachings of Jesus to all people. And yet, in the same moment we remember the greatest sacrifice was made for us in the death and resurrection of Jesus. As we enter into this season of reflection let us continually seek forgiveness for our sins and knowingly accept that you do not expect us to be perfect, we are all human. Let us truly understand what the means to us
and the world. And as we reflect, renewing our minds, may we share in remembering and cultivate gratitude and thanksgiving as we celebrate the gift of grace and the gift of Jesus that you have blessed your creation with, that we may be your living sacrifices. May we share in your love with each other and the world we connect with because beauty and growth will rise up out of the ashes, today, tomorrow, and always. Amen!

Meditate:

How are you a living sacrifice? How do you share Christ’s love with the world you come in contact with each day?

Listen:

Resurrection Power by Chris Tomlin