
Soul Food: A Prayer for Ash Wednesday
by Bishop Hee-Soo Jung
I kneel on Ash Wednesday. We kneel on Ash Wednesday.
We look to you, O God of regeneration
to see your broken world with the eyes of love.
We are pilgrims who long for salvation
walking the path of faith and enlightenment.
Now let your Spirit lead us back to a holy Lent,
a season to walk in the steps of Christ Jesus.
God, may we feel deeply the journey of Christ's passion and glory.
Thank you for the gift of this time
that we may be renewed.
Revive us again with hope,
to the depths of our being.
Take us to the shores of Galilee that we might see Jesus,
who taught us the way of abundant bread and fish,
the way of justice and mercy,
empty my heart, O God. Empty the church, O God.
Shape us, O Potter, into a vessel for peace and justice,
pour out your love for all people and for creation.
May we fast so that there is more room for you.
May we serve that we may see your face.
Make our life an offering
touched by the fire of your love.
Enable us to carry your ashes to those
who need your love.
From Ukraine to Oneida, from east to the west, Mercer to Hazel Green,
Reconcile all things to you.
We are yours.
Make us into a Lenten people for your glory.
Amen.
Author

Hee-Soo Jung
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung has served as resident bishop of the Wisconsin Annual Conference since September of 2012. Prior to leading the Wisconsin Conference UMC, Bishop Jung served eight years as bishop of the Northern Illinois Conference (Chicago area).