February 17th is the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday. We can read in the Old Testament of the turning of sinners to repentance, and how they repented in dust and ashes. Such customs were outward signs of faithful church members' intention of observing the season of Lent as a time of prayer and fasting that they might live their lives closer to God.
The Book of Common Prayer includes a special service to be used on the first day of Lent entitled "A Penitential Service". It begins: "Brethren, there hath been, from ancient times, a godly custom in the Church, that, at the beginning of Lent, Christian people should be admonished, in an especial manner, of the great indignation of God against sin, and be moved thereby to earnest and true repentance, lest any be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
It would be stupid to allow the title "Penitential Service", or the mention of an unpopular word like sin, to turn us away from partaking in it. Meditating on the commandments and admitting failure is, of course, depressing. However, as the service based on scripture unfolds its message of mercy, love, hope, and renewal of purpose, we are encouraged by the hope of being restored to the Christian way of life - freed to make new beginnings.
It is an exciting experience for those with the will, faith, and courage to meditate on the message of the penitential service. It does take courage to say to God: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any way of wickedness in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." In a modern version in the first chapter of St John's 1st Epistle (verses 8 and 9) we read: "If we are silly enough to refuse to admit that we are sinners, then we live in a world of illusion . . . but if we freely admit that we have sinned . . . God forgives our sins and makes us thoroughly clean from all that is evil."
The change from despairing to new and glorious hope in God's love is expressed in prayer:
"Spare all those who confess their sins unto thee;
that by thy merciful pardon they may be absolved;
through Christ our Lord. Amen."
Christ, the friend of sinners, overcame all temptations and proved His love on the Cross. We gladly turn to the King of Love with confidence in His pardon and peace.
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and grief to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in Prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.