A PRAYER FOR ASH WEDNESDAY NT

Matthew 6:5-8 (MSG)

5 “And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?

6 “Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

No one listens

Lord

There is so much noise

My cries get lost in cacophonous sounds

in the babble and clamor

of rush and bustle

No one hears

No one listens

Lord

Everyone has their earplugs and earphoneLos

listening to music and chatter

avoiding who and what is going on around them

No one hears

No one listens

Lord

There is so much business and craziness

Schedules are jam packed

No one has time

Nobody stops

No one listens

Lord

My cries echo in empty rooms

pews are lonely places

park benches find birds and squirrels

No one stops

O God of grace

You are the one who hears every cry

Who hears before our words are spoken

Hear our prayer

O God of grace

You are the one who knows every need

Who provides us with our daily bread

Hear our prayer

O God of grace

You who comforts all who mourn

Who wipes the tears from every eye

Hear our prayer

O God of grace

You who forgives every sin

Who washes our souls whiter than snow

Hear our prayer

Praise you

God of grace

Thank you

God of creation

Amen