Today we sit
between the season of light
and the season of darkness.
Today we revel
in the beauty of new life
and await the darkness that comes from death.
The season of Lent
will greet us this week
and walk with us towards the cross.
The lengthening days remind us
to keep reaching for the light
and trusting the glimpses of new life.
Help us to settle into the darkness
so we can see your light breaking through.
Teach us to open our eyes to suffering
so our hands can be instruments of healing.
Be with us in the breaking of our hearts
so we can find joy in you once again.
Create space in us to feel your presence
and to listen to your words.
Create space in our homes
to see all we do as worship.
Create space in our churches
to welcome the stranger and outcast as friends.
This season we will walk in darkness
trusting the light’s presence.
When we hear words about prayer and repentance and service
may they seep into our minds and hearts
and call us to a new way of being.
This is Lent –
darkness leaning towards light,
suffering turning to healing,
uncertainty coming to peace,
death bringing life.
Amen.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. You can read more at her website: http://kimberlyknowlezeller.com or follow her work on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyKnowleZeller/