Friday of the Third Week of Lent
Speak the words. That’s all we need to do.
“Take words with you,” the prophet Hosea instructs, “and return to the Lord.”
So, let’s prayerfully prepare our words, our confessions, and repeat them in whispers to inscribe them on our hearts. Then, let’s bring our words to God.
We don’t need to climb the tallest mountain to restore our relationship with God. We won’t have to steal any golden apples, capture mythical beasts, or complete other Herculean labors. Nor is it necessary to chastise ourselves until our souls are beaten and bruised.
We only need words: “Take away my sin, dear Lord. Receive me graciously.” Or a simple act of contrition will do: Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Speak the words with sincerity. God will do the rest. Through his prophet, God promises to love us freely – voluntarily, spontaneously, willingly, without asking for anything in return.
—Rachael Griggs