A Lenten Prayer

I’ve always been taught that to be sanctified was to be set apart
“Let a holy life tell the Gospel story”
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

We talk so much about being set apart FOR something
But what are we to be set apart FROM?
How do we know to get there If we don’t know where we’re coming from?

My favourite dead white theologians don’t command my respect because of great deeds.
Sure, they were great thinkers and writers—and you know I love great thought and writing.
But these deep thoughts and writings happened
Because of those encounters where you dealt with their Selves

In a time where “Grace” is cheapened and fear hinders action against injustice…

Most loving and gracious God,
Creator of all things
Your mercy is new every morning
Have mercy on us
Sanctify us by your truth. Your word is truth

Set us apart from our selves
The self that sees the world not as you see it, but as fragmented pieces of our ideals
Set us apart from our egos
The ego that desires edification from producing results and a job well-done
Have mercy on us
Sanctify us by your truth. Your word is truth

Help us to live into the fullness of our humanity
That we may feel the pain of our own wounds
That we may have compassion for the suffering
That we may not wield these as weapons of self-righteousness
But as instruments of your grace and mercy
Have mercy on us
Sanctify us by your truth. Your word is truth

To a world that feels pain just as we feel pain
That is sinful just as we are sinful
That is as righteous as we can possibly be righteous
Have mercy on us
Sanctify us by your truth. Your word is truth

Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of all Life,
Have mercy on us
Keep us from building walls that divide
Sanctify us by your truth. Your word is truth

Holy God, protect us by the power of your name so that we may be one
As we walk in these days of wilderness
As we experience these ashes--the mark of your suffering
Have mercy on us
Grant that we may have the full measure of your joy
Sanctify us by your truth. Your word is truth

Deal with us as you dealt with the saints of old
And have mercy on us

For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.
Amen.